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This responds to your recent post calling for suggestions of agencies deserving your contributions. My recommendation is PAN. My typing is lousy, but following is an excerpt from the '95 PAN Public Policy Forum handbook. There is much more recent information of PAN and much more that PAN has done for the Parkinsons comunity, but this was within arms reach when I read your post. Please consider PAN for your contributions. As a Person with Parkinsons who has volunteered help with PAN's efforts for the Udall Bill over the last couple years, I strongly believe this is where you can "get the most for your money". PAN networks the efforts of all Parkinsons agencies that are willing to join hands, for the ultimate goal of a cure for PD. Maryhelen Davila [log in to unmask] For your consideration: The Parkinson's Action Network (PAN) 822 College Avenue, Suite C Santa Rosa California 95404 (707) 544-1994 fax (707) 544-2383 Washington (202) 628-2079 Call toll free for general information 1-800-850-4726 PAN was founded in 1991 with a mission to provide a voice to the Parkinson's community in the Congressional effort to lift the ban on federal support of the fetal tissue tansplant research. With the successful completion of this campagne in 1993, the missioin expanded, Since that time, PAN's central objective continues to be to promote a level of research support sufficient to produce an effective treatment and a cure before the end of the decade. Until this is accomplished, PAN's secondary mission is to provide an informed and organized public voice of Parkinson's afflicted Americans. Accomplishing that mission has req uired: Developing an informed and effective grassroots network, involving individuals throughout the affected community, Parkinson's foundations, support organizations and scientists. Increasing public awareness of Parkinson's disease through the media. This includes focusing on the impact of Parkinson's on individuals, on health costs, and on the country as a whole; the potential for a scientific breakthrough, the need for greater support for research, and the effect of government actions on the Parkinson's Disease community. Working to strengthen the Parkinson's research program conducted by the National Institute of Health (NIH) through monitoring the program and developing relationships with key officials and staff of NIH and the several Parkinson's related institutes. working with congress and the Clinton Administration to increase their awareness of the needs of the Parkinson's community and the impact of their decision making on the community. PAN"s efforts have included the following: DATA DEVELOPMENT - Through extensive effortsby PAN volunteers, the Network has developed data on the impact of Parkinson's Disease and the nature and extent of funding for Parkinson's research as compared to other disorders. SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR DEVELOPMENT - Through a series of "advisories" and follow-up correspondence and calls, with Parkinson's specialists nationwide, PAN has solicited input from scientists, government officials, and NIH as to where the greatest needs exist for funding of scientific research. PARKINSONS COMMUNITY COORDINATION AND DEVELOPMENT - A strong national presence on public policy issues affecting the Parkinson's affeted individuals, The Parkinsons Institute, The United Parinson's Foundation, the National Parkinsons Foundatioin, and the American Parkinsons Disease Assosciation. ADVOCACY EFFORTS: On severall fronts, the Network has waorked to identify, educate and influence the key participants in governmental decision-making on issues affecting the community. (This goes on and on...... but my typing ability doesn't. Please call PAN for more info before making your decision.)