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A footnote to Jim Cordy's message about our upcoming Washington trip: this will be my second trip to DC and the first time that my husband, Martin, will join the grassroots lobbying effort. I know that the attitude of members' staff is measurably different when they learn that: 1/you are a constituent or, 2/ you are representing a number of people regarding an issue that they have heard about. It is comforting to hear, "oh, you are with the Udall group. Yes, we've received calls and letters regarding the Parkinson's bill". I promise to be uncharacteristically "forward" in our approach to members with whom we could not get appointments-because we are NOT constituents! We will be ready to give our message to anyone who listens. Material will be left for the aides to pour over and make recommendations to their bosses. We'll walk the walk and talk the talk -- BUT, we need you to smooth the way! Phone calls from you/family/friends can alert the aides that "family" members will be dropping by to convey your personal wish about the passage of the Udall bill this year. Tell them that you would be there to lobby in person if your circumstances permitted it. And, yes, we are family -- all of us on this list and around the world suffering, waiting and hoping. We've shared the BAD, now let's pool our resources and take steps to share the GOOD. Don't just wish us luck and a safe journey, call your congress-person and ask for the wecome mat to be put out. Let me give you that number again, 800-962-3514 Margaret Margaret Tuchman (55yrs, Dx 1980)- NJ-08540 [log in to unmask]