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My apologies for the garbled first attempt . I hope this does better. If anyone knows what I did wrong please let me know Unity of Purpose My name is Jim Cordy, IAEm 47 and have had Parkinson's Disease for 7 years. Since having to go on disability from my job as a metallurgical manager with Allegheny Ludlum I have become active as a volunteer in the Neuroscience Dept. at the University o I was alarmed when I read Will JohnsonAEs account of the meeting of the various ParkinsonAEs organization April 6 after the Udall Bill Breakfast in his DelMarVa newsletter several weeks ago. He described an atmosphere that did not appear to have what I have talked to numerous people regarding the need for a unified agreed upon plan. In particular IAEve had discussions with representatives of the APDA, the NPF and PAN. I am planning on attending the ParkinsonAEs Advocacy Forum in Washing DC May 1 I hope I am pleasantly surprised and a well thought out, comprehensive, agreed upon plan will be unveiled. If not I pledge to do all I can to help formulate one. I think such a plan should have the following elements: 1 )Washington - those experienced in that portion of America isolated from the rest of the world (inside the Beltway) must interact effectively with the factions within the Parkinson's community, the legislators and their staffs; whether they be for, against or on the fence with respect to the Udall Bill. 2)Home Districts - where a grassroots campaign must be waged. Our success will be a function of how effective we are in both areas. That in large part will depend on how well we communicate, both between the Parkinson's Disease organizations and between Washington and the Grass Roots. There are several milli Key to this communications is keeping abreast of how the battle is going. To me that's a data base of all the Senators and Congressmen. Possibly the rudiments of one are in progress. This can be a massive job in itself, but we have a lot of talented people throughout the country. Many with computer skills and linked by electronic communications. Let's identify the resources we currently know (who are the PD computer specialists) and then advertise via the Internet for others as needed. While its true This data base should have different levels of access. Confidential information on our leaderships thoughts as to where various individuals stand and how we might effectively lobby them. Position papers available to at least the grass roots leadershi There is always the possibility that the Udall Bill may not be enacted. That would be a devastating blow to me personally as IAEm sure to many others. However our efforts to raise awareness of Parkinson's Disease might still bear fruit so I suggest w IAEm addressing this to an eclectic distribution and am also posting it on the Parkinsn List. My plan is to publish the majority of additional correspondence to a wide distribution and I encourage all to do the same. Good communication is vital. Thi Anyone going to Washington to the forum, please look me up or E-MAIL or call beforehand. [log in to unmask] 412-521-9584