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Just another note to add to Jim Cordy's on lobbying. It is tough to get through all the noise that our representatives have to deal with. I sent letters regarding the Udall bill to my Senator a number of times and spoke to his staff many times. I talked to a healthcare aide in DC about the bill and faxed him a copy. A week later I sent another fax reminding the Senator of the bill. I got a call from a different healthcare aide in DC requesting a copy of the bill. I sent a copy. Then I called the local healthcare aide who requested a copy of the bill. That's three copies of the same bill! Our representatives offices are not equipped to handle the workload that they have, but they make do. This only underscores the importance of repetition and commitment. The staff that reads your letter is generally composed of bright-eyed kids fresh out of college. Not every letter gets through, no matter how touching and heartfelt. Still we need to continue with this work. Let's keep informed about the latest developments and turn the Congressional District plan proposed by PAN into a reality. If you get tired of writing, pick up a phone. We want to pass the Udall bill, but even if you never get support for it you have done a positive service for the Parkinson's community by educating your representative and his or her staff about PD. Ken Aidekman