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Action Advisory - Parkinson's Action Network Sample Cosponsor Thank You Letter August (date), 1997 The Honorable____________ United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 or The Honorable _______________ United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Dear Senator/Representative (your Senator/your Representative): I am writing to thank you for your decision to cosponsor the Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research Act of 1997 (S.535 and H.R.1260). In doing so, you have endorsed legislation critical to the Parkinson's community, and become a valuable part of the fight against Parkinson's disease and its devastating personal, physical, and social implications.. (Insert personal testimony here, e.g.:) As you know, Parkinson's disease is a progressive, debilitating neurological disorder that eventually robs its patients of physical mobility and independence. Currently affecting approximately one million Americans and their families--with 50,000 more diagnosed each year--Parkinson's costs the nation an estimated $25 Billion annually in health and disability expenses, Social Security Insurance and disability Insurance, Medicare and Medicaid, and Lost productivity. I have lived with and suffered from /(witnessed my sibling/spouse/parent/friend live with and suffer from)Parkinson's disease for (x)years, and sadly, over the course of that time have experienced a severe decline in my /(witnessed a severe decline in his/her) quality of life and involvement in civic life. In cosponsoring the Udall bill, you have taken an important step toward ensuring that the research needed to find a cause will be conducted, and have given us hope that one day soon, a cure will be found--returning me (my loved-one) to my (his/her)productive place in society. On behalf of the hundreds/thousands of Parkinson's patients in (your district/state), I applaud your support, and encourage you to serve as an advocate for Parkinson's disease and the Udall bill among your colleagues on the Hill. Sincerely, (Your name, address and phone number) ----------------------- Parkinson's Action Network 800-850-4726 Headquarters: 818 College Ave., Suite C Santa Rosa, CA 95404 707-544-1994 phone 707-544-2363 fax Washington, DC 202-628-2079 email: [log in to unmask] DC email: [log in to unmask]