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This article is from the Houston Chronicle: http://tinyurl.com/4l6pg July 31, 2004, 6:44PM Making A Difference Cullen's Parkinson's work will be honored Businessman's daughter suffered from the disorder By NANCY MARTINEZ Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle As he sat in his office suite in the Cullen Center with its view of downtown Houston, Roy H. Cullen talked of the disease that eventually took the life of his daughter Lillie. She suffered from Parkinson's, a progressive disorder that took away her ability to walk and even speak. She died in November at the age of 53. Cullen, a prominent Houston businessman, is well-known for donating his time and financial support to various causes. But since his daughter's diagnosis, when she was 38, he has been especially passionate about helping researchers find a cure for an illness that affects more than 1 million Americans. On Oct. 3, the president of the Cullen Foundation and owner of RHC Operating Company will be honored for his efforts by the Houston Area Parkinson Society with the first Cullen Quality of Life award. "It makes me happy and sad simultaneously," said Cullen, 74. "But it brings attention to what's needed — public awareness, and funds for patient care and research." Nina Brown, a spokeswoman for the society, said the award will be given annually. Cullen is being honored, she said, for his "leadership, wisdom and generosity" in improving the quality of life for others. Researchers don't know why people develop Parkinson's disease, but they know it causes the loss of brain cells that normally produce the neurotransmitter dopamine. That chemical is essential for the brain to transmit messages to the nervous system. Without it, people have tremors, as well as movement and balance problems. The Houston Area Parkinson Society estimates that more than 15,000 people locally suffer from the illness. During its October ceremony, the society plans to honor Lillie Cullen posthumously with an award usually given to someone with the illness whose outlook on life is an example for others. "There's a lot going on in Parkinson's research," Cullen said. "HAPS is into taking care of the problem today. Research is into taking care of the problem tomorrow." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn