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I am passing on information from the AOL PD BB. Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Bill Introduced. On July 19th Senator Mark O. Hatfield (R-OR) and Congressman Henry A. Waxman (D-CA) introduced the Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research, Education and Assistance Act of 1994. Cosponsoring the bill is a bipartisan group of members including Senators Alan Simpson (R-WY) and Paul Wellstone (D-MN), and Representatives Fred Upton (R-MI) and Bill Richardson (D-NM). The Morris K. Udall Act will: Expand basic and clinical research into Parkinson's, and coordinate the research agenda; Establish Parkinson's research centers across the country; Establish Morris K. Udall Excellence Awards and feasibility study grants; Establish patient and family registries; Establish Morris K. Udall Health Professions training grants; and Establish a National Parkinson's Disease Education Program. At ceremonies marking the introduction of the Udall Bill, Senator Hatfield spoke of "Mo Udall's brilliant career in Congress ... cut short by Parkinson's Disease. Diagnosed in 1980, Mo struggled with the neurological decay and decreased motor skills of the disease for years before he resigned from Congress in May of 1991." Hatfield continued, " The great tragedy of Parkinson's disease is that we need not suffer this enormous loss. There is tremendous potential for major scientific breakthroughs in the prevention and treatment of Parkinson's. Scientists have recently discovered evidence of genetic and neurotoxic links to the causes of the disease and new treatments, involving neural growth factors, tissue implants and genetic engineering." The Congressmen present spoke of their personal experiences with Parkinson's. Senator Alan Simpson recalled the strength and humor that his father employed to cope with Parkinson's. Senator Paul Wellstone emotionally affirmed his committment to Parkinson's research while acknowledging that both of his parents suffered from the disease. Congressman Fred Upton was visibly moved as he recalled the experience of his uncle's battle with Parkinson's. Anne J. Udall, Ph.D., Chair of the Parkinson's Action Network (PAN) and daughter of Mo Udall said, "This bill acknowledges the great need and tremendous potential for a Parkinson's research breakthrough. We are deeply grateful to Senator Hatfield, Congressman Waxman and the other co-sponsors for this major step forward." "Parkinson's has not had a significant breakthrough in treatment since the development of L-Dopa in the 60's," said Joan Samuelson, President of PAN. "Scientists tell us a major breakthrough and even the cure can be found before 2000 - - if their research is supported. Unfortunately, Parkinson's has been the stepchild of the federal budget. With this bill, the neglect of our community will begin to end." Also in attendance were representatives of the major national Parkinson's organizations; Nathan Slewett of the National Parkinson's Foundation, Mario Esposito and Frank Williams of the American Parkinson's Disease Association, Margot Zobel representing the Parkinson's Disease Foundation and Dr. William Langston of the Parkinson's Institute. These organizations and many other local Parkinson's groups have endorsed the bill. Sixty Parkinson's advocates from all over the United States were also in attendance while participating in the first PAN Public Policy Forum. At the forum they were briefed by experts in lobbying strategy, Congressional legislative process and political media. Sessions included role-playing in preparation for meetings with members of Congress. Joan Samuelson conducted the agenda at the three day forum which featured talks by Senator Wellstone, Anne Udall and Congressman Henry Waxman. Soon after the press conference Parkinson's advocates met with their Senators, Congressmen and respective legislative aides to enlist support for the Morris K. Udall Bill and the Harkin/Hatfield Fund for Health Research. The forum concluded with a strategy session which addressed the need for better communication and organization amongst Parkinson's advocates. -Ken Aidekman P.S. Media experts at the PAN forum suggest that Parkinson's advocates can increase public awareness by informing their local newspapers, radio stations etc. of important developments, such as this, through press releases, letters to the editor and direct discussions with media editors. Regards, Alan Bonander ([log in to unmask])