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Hi Debbie- Welcome to the list. The Udall bill is the first legislative effort in history devoted to Parkinson's research. It authorizes $100 million in annual funding to the federal Parkinson's research program administered by the National Institiues of Health (NIH)--up from the $26 million currently spent -- and provides a focused program to structure and support research efforts the scientific community deems necessary to deliver breakthroughs and the cure. Mo Udall , Democrat from Arizona, represented the Second Congressional District for 30 years and was a candidate for President in 1976. In 1991 he was forced to retire from Congress due to Parkinson's and its complications. He presently lives in a long-term facility. Congressman Udall was an extremely popular and effective legislator, and is greatly missed nationwide. The bill is named to honor Congressman Udall and to symbolize the great toll taken by Parkinson's in this country. The top priority is a treatment that will effectively eliminate Parkinson's symptoms, by retarding or reversing dopamine cell death or replacing the missing neurochemical those cells produce when healthy. Experimental approaches with domonstrated potential include neural growth factor, tissue implants, neuroprotective agents and more effective pharmaceutical remedies. With the $100 million authorized by the Udall bill, premier researchers predict improbev therapies within a few years and an effective therapy or cure within five years. Some of us are sending preprinted picture postcards to Washington congressmen asking for passage of the Udall bill for Parkinson's research. I've had 84,000 postcards printed and would be glad to send you some if you want. There is no charge for anything. They have a brief message on one side and a picture of Morris Udall (Senator from Arizona for 30 years and now stricken with PD) on the other. I will Include easy labels with the names and address of who they get mailed to. They will each need a 20cent stamp . If it's possible for you to return the postage to me that will help me to continue to send to others. If not , please don't let that keep you from getting the cards. The most important thing is that we cover all the desks on Capitol Hill with our message. Let me know if you are interested in helping. Again, Welcome to the list! Barbara