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Jim, I'd like to be involved in whatever way I can in the Patient Congress. I've already worked with the people on your committee and have great respect and affection for all of you. Is there a separate plan to lobby together during '98 to continue Udall appropriations, or will that be part of the Congress's efforts? I am currently serving a term as a board member of the St. Louis APDA chapter. I became involved through the Parkinson's Center and its director, and both happen to be affiliated with the APDA. This is not a lifetime commitment on their part; as a matter of fact, there's quite a bit of disillusionment with the national organization and the way it operates. The connection continues mainly because of the helpful materials we receive from the national organization, but another group affiliation would be considered, I think. I don't know if others were put off, as I was, by the NPF announcement of the Udall bill's passage. They made it sound as though they had pulled it off single-handedly, and didn't even mention Joan and PAN and the fact that without them it would never have happened. I agree with you that it would be fruitless to waste time and effort to promote a unity which may never occur, even if it is the most sensible way to go. Now that the bill is passed, perhaps PAN should expand its horizons and emerge as the premier organization! Pat