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Time to work the full court press on Congress to pass the Udall Bill. In New Jersey we are planning a Phone-In campaign to gain co-sponsorship from the seven remaining representatives of the total thirteen in the state who have yet to sign on. It is scheduled for this Tuesday, April 23rd. If you need a local or D.C. phone number for your Congressman E-mail me, call your library, check your phone book. But, call on Tuesday to thank the co-sponsors and let the others know you want them to become co-sponsors. Ask why they're not co-sponsoring. Ask if they need any information to make a decision. Ask for a written reply. If you don't get one after repeated letters and calls, let your friends and neighbors know that their representative is not sufficiently interested to acknowledge our situation. Why should Congress micromanage the NIH regarding PD spending? Because the opportunity for effective treatment within the next few years is so great relative to the suffering that is caused by PD. (We received letter upon letter from Senator Bill Bradley's office maintaining that NIH funding should remain autonomous from Congressional interference. Finally, we found a supporter in the Senator's new healthcare aide who appreciated the exciting developments and momentum in PD science.) Because PD effects a small number of very specific cells in the brain. Though highly complex, is a relatively simple system to work with versus more widespread pathology such as seen in Alzheimer's. Scientists believe that positive results will come sooner and can then be applied to other neurodegenerative diseases. Because until now Parkinson's research funding has been overlooked compared to other disease groups. Some have established, well-organized and well-financed lobbying groups and command greater public attention. We have a right to demand a fair share of the total research dollars for PD. It is the duty of our elected officials to listen to us and to advocate for our interests if they are convinced that our position is warranted. I hope that more of you decide to come to Washington, D.C. to let your representatives hear your story. Many simply do not know about the exciting research potential. I have spoken to healthcare aides who have no idea what PD is. Many are unfamiliar with the Udall Bill. We still have a huge amount of work and not much time to educate and persuade them. We have to let them know what the Udall Bill is and that co-sponsoring it is the right thing to do. Pass the Udall Bill in '96. Do it for Mo. Fund the Research. Find the Cure. Ken Aidekman