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Hi, My name is Bill Nowell,(57/2). I have received a list of names and E-mail listings. I am trying to contact you and everyone else interested to establish some type of Parkinson's Support Group communications network in Washington. I happen to believe that the primary reason that only two of our Congressmen, at this time, have co-sponsored the Udall Bill is because we have not effectively communicated and concentrated our total effort and energy on those representatives who are not on board. I think that our representatives want to do the right thing, but we have to tell them what that really is. I think that it is great that Senator Patty Murray and Slade Gorton, along with Congressman Norman Dicks and Jim McDermott have done the right thing. Unfortunately, the remaining representatives (in my opinion) haven't. It is hard to understand why, during the last Congress Jennifer Dunn (8th Dist) was a cosponsor (HR 1462), but she hasn't signed up yet this year. If there are any of her constituents out there reading this, it might help if she were reminded that we need her support again. Let's help Jennifer and all of our representatives who have not cosponsored the Udall Bill by reminding them we and their voters are counting on them. I am going to see if we can establish a list of Parkinson's Support Groups around the state. We will then be able to coordinate and be more effective. I think it would be fantastic if every support group in the state received a copy of every groups newsletter. This would certainly educate and open up the lines of communications. There are so many of you doing such great things that we could all use if we only share the information and knowledge. I will be more than glad to act as the point of contact and would ask you to send me your comments, suggestions and recommendations concerning this undertaking. I am sure that there are many of you that are more qualified to do this than me and if you step forward I will assist you as much as possible. In the meantime I will plug on because there is no time to loose in our battle. Some of the questions I have are do you belong to a Parkinson's Support Group, where is it located? Are you a veteran, if so, which branch of service? Do you have contact and communications with other groups? Is there someone who has E-mail capability to act as a Network Point of Contact (POC)? Is there a telephone number of FAX available? When and where do you meet, approximately how many members do you have? Do you have contact with your congressional representatives? As you can see there are a multitude of questions, but we can make this happen and make sure that the Udall Bill is passed. There is a great deal of help available from the NPF, PAN, APDA and others. Let's make our WA Parkinson's voice be heard loud and clear around the state and into the chambers of congress. If we don't make it work and get the Udall Bill passed then who will? I look forward to hearing from you, reading your comments and suggestions and making our undertaking a total success. Let's make "The Fighting Flame" Burn Brighter in Washington. Bill Nowell [log in to unmask] (360)412-0950