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May 22, 1996 The Honorable Christopher Smith Representative of New Jersey's Fourth Congressional District Dear Congressman Smith, Thank you for making the difficult choice to co-sponsor the Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research and Education Act (HR 1462). Your decision to support legislation that addresses the terrible suffering of millions of Americans affected by Parkinson's demonstrates a willingness to confront tough ethical and financial issues with fairness and insight. Certainly, the Mo Udall bill will better educate the American public about Parkinson's, but importantly, it provides for equitable funding of leading edge research into the cause(s) and treatment of PD. As a representative for the fourth Congressional District of New Jersey, home to a significant number of the state's senior citizens, you are well aware of the need to confront the curse of neurodegenerative disease. The Udall bill makes no specific provisions about how research funds will be spent other than to ensure that Parkinson's patients and their families will be afforded a level of attention more in line with their presence in society and the extraordinarily rich scientific potential for effective treatment. Thank you for your understanding and commitment on this vital issue. Respectfully, Ken Aidekman Chairman of the Parkinson's Unity Walk