Print

Print


The Morris K. Udall ParkinsonAEs Research, Education, and
Assistance Act would increase federal research spending on
Parkinson's Disease from $26 to  $100 million per year.
With many doctors and scientists believing that another
major break through if not cure is near, this increase could
make a dramatic difference, possibly reducing this time
frame by years.
 
The Udall Bill has been referred to  Labor and Human
Services Committee chairred  by Senator Nancy
Kassebaum.  Six of the 16 Senators on that committee are
 co sponsors.  We need 3 more for a majority.  Two of the uncommitted
are Kennedy and Harkin - liberal Democrats we should be
able to recruit.  That means if we focus attention on the
traditionally moderate Republican Kassebaum, and are
successful, we can hold hearings and bring this bill out of
committee in the Senate possibly in October. What a great
position to be in.  Its exceeds my expatiation s that in
September  1995 we would be in the position of persuading
one moderate Senator and the road to passage in the Senate
would be open.
 
KANSAS, KANSAS, KANSAS, THE EYES OF THE
PARKINSON'S DISEASE COMMUNITY FOCUS ON
KANSAS.   If you live in Kansas write to Kassebaum.
If you know Kasssebaum call or visit her.  DonAEt let us
down.  A lot of people have worked hard to get us this far
and the fate of the Udall bill  rests with KANSAS.
 
What should you say to Kassebaum?
 TELL OF THE SUFFERING OF  PARKINSON'S
DISEASE, YOUR PERSONAL STORY.  I feel so strongly
about this bill I broke down while visiting Senator Specters
office.  It was embarrassing.  It was effective. Specter is a
co sponsor.
 
TELL OF THE UN FAIR CURRENT DISTRIBUTION
OF FEDERAL RESEARCH FUNDING.  Parkinson's
disease gets only $26 per person afflicted while cancer, ms
and heart disease get $100 or more.  AIDs gets over $1000
per person afflicted
 
TELL HER THE CLOCK IS TICKING.  That Parkinson's
Disease is a degenerative disease and you are getting worse
every day.   Who knows what cruel symptom may emerge
by next month or next year.
 
TELL HER IT MAKES FISCAL SENSE.  Parkinson's
Disease costs a conservative $6 billion a year (recent
estimates as high as $25 billion a year).  Why is it we have
such a noted fiscal conservative as PennsylvaniaAEs Senator
Santorum as a co sponsor but we donAEt have the
compassionate Senator Kassebaum
 
TELL HER THAT SETTING UP 10 CENTERS SHOULD
BE EFFICIENT as there are many more centers than 10
already in place not requiring start up costs.  One is in
Kansas directed by Dr. Kh
oller.
 
ASK HER TO PLEASE HELP ERADICATE THIS
DREADFUL DISEASE!
 
If you don't live in Kansas, write Kassebaum any way.
If you know someone in Kansas, ask them to call or
 write Kassebaum.
 
If we could gett every PD support group to start their next meeting
by writing KAssebaum,  it  would be very powerful.