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This is my finnal version of the thankyou letters I sent to those who are not yet cosponsors and may have a question about fetal tissue or GDNF. I did confirm through Amgen that the GDNF molecules are not from fetal tissue. Thanks to all who reponded to my previous post on this topic. Subject: HR 1462 - The Udall Bill - Parkinson's Research Date: May 23, 1996 Dear Representative Barton, Just wanted to thank you for the time that you and Julie Lewis spent with Nancy and me while we were in Washington. With Nancy's Parkinson's Disease nipping away at every corner our journey to Washington was exhausting and emotion packed as you may recall from her tears. As of this writing the Udall Bill HR1462 The Parkinson's research, Education and Assistance Act now has 37 Senator's and 154 Representatives cosponsoring. We have not heard from you on this issue. We seek your compassion and understanding for our own personal plight but also for the millions who are now or soon will be afflicted by this devastating disease. The economic case is compelling as the bill will almost surely lead to a cure before the baby boomer generation hits the age window when PD so often strikes which is between 57 and 61 years of age. The bill requests $100 million each year for 5 years to be targeted for Parkinson's Disease. Of all the neurological disorders, the medical community seems united in their view that targeting PD at this stage of the curative discovery process is a clear winner. Julie expressed your concern about pro-life versus pro-choice issues. Nancy and I are pro-life advocates. This bill, we do not feel, supports any pro-abortion positions. It does not preclude the use of any available tissue/organ sources that might assist the researchers in developing the cure and we do not believe it should preclude such use. Use of human fetal tissue has been demonstrated to have some significant benefits but appears to just be a path to finding the cure and is not likely to be a long term solution. Through past legislation, sponsored by congressman Upton, aborted tissue can not be used for profit nor can a beneficiary be named. Nancy and I believe that is the legislative link that protects the unborn in this complex issue. We do not believe that this bill would encourage abortions or approve of them in anyway. We would not endorse that. On the other hand use of human organs, and for that matter organs of other species, to save the life or improve the hopeless state of those afflicted with serious ailments makes sense, and we do embrace that as a solution. With regard to glial cell derived neurotropic factors (GDNF) that research does not involve the use of fetal cell tissue. That was another question that was raised. These molecules appear to activate or rejuvenate dormant dopamine producing brain cells which would simulate if not be a cure for Parkinson's Disease. This exciting research is just one of the reasons the PD community has come together at this time in search of research funds. Please tell us that we can count on your support to cosponsor this legislation. Yours truly, Bob Martone 3614 Forest Village Dr. Kingwood, TX 77339 Phone: Home 713-358-5168 Office 713-241-2611