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PRESS RELEASE: PARKINSON’S ACTION NETWORK WILL HOST 10TH ANNUAL FORUM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 18, 2004 CONTACT: Benjamin J. Kirby 202-842-4101 [log in to unmask] PARKINSON’S ACTION NETWORK WILL HOST 10TH ANNUAL FORUM Research and Education Forum & Public Policy Forum will bring leaders in science, advocates from across the country to Washington, D.C. (Washington, D.C.) – The Parkinson’s Action Network (PAN) has invited advocates, scientists, researchers and members of the Parkinson’s community from around the country to attend the 10th Annual Forum, Sunday, March 28 through Tuesday, March 30. The event will be held at the Marriott Metro Center in Washington, D.C. “I am sure that this will be the most productive Forum to date,” said PAN Board Chairman Jeffrey C. Martin. “I’m looking forward to hearing about the progress that is being made through federal research towards a cure.” The Research and Education Forum, held Sunday, March 28, will feature a scientific overview of Parkinson’s disease research, a briefing on the funding of federal programs, and a discussion of emerging therapies for Parkinson’s disease. The keynote speaker at the luncheon held that day will be Dr. Story C. Landis, Director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) at the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Landis will discuss the status of Parkinson’s disease research initiatives and activities at NINDS with the participants. On Monday, March 29, events continue with the Public Policy Forum, featuring an advocacy training session, a review of the PAN Action Agenda, an exercise session for Parkinson’s patients with John Argue and the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment. The featured speaker that day will be PAN President Joan I. Samuelson, who will discuss advocacy and its impact on public policy issues relating to a cure for Parkinson’s disease. “The Forum promises to be an important time for Parkinson’s advocacy,” said Samuelson. “I hope to not only see many old friends there, but new faces as well. Together, we’re going to make a difference and find a cure for this terrible disease.” On Tuesday, March 30 – the final day of the Forum – advocates will go to the Capitol to meet with Senators and Representatives to discuss relevant Parkinson’s disease funding. The event will close with the Louis Fishman Awards Dinner at the Marriott. During the dinner, awards will be presented to Michelle Lane of Louisiana and Murray Charters of British Columbia, Canada. Lane, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in June of 2000 at age 32, will receive the Louis Fishman Advocacy Award for her outstanding work as the PAN Louisiana State Coordinator. Charters, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1994 at age 49, will receive the first annual Award for Outstanding Service to the Parkinson’s Community. “This Forum is perfectly timed to take place just before the start of April, Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month,” said PAN Executive Director Amy L. Comstock. “I hope that our advocates will be able to take the information from this important event back to their communities and continue our fight for a cure.” More information about the PAN 10th Annual Forum can be found at: http://www.parkinsonsaction.org or by calling: (800) 850-4726. Founded in 1991, PAN is the unified education and advocacy voice of the Parkinson’s community—over one million Americans and their families. Through education and interaction with the Parkinson’s community, scientists, lawmakers, opinion leaders, and the public, PAN fights for a cure by increasing awareness about Parkinson’s disease and seeks increased federal support for Parkinson’s research. For more information on the Parkinson’s Action Network, please visit http://www.parkinsonsaction.org or call 1-800-850-4726. SOURCE: The Parkinson’s Action Network (PAN) http://www.parkinsonsaction.org * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn