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On behalf of the National Parkinson Foundation, I am pleased to announce that NPF's National Spokesman, Muhammad Ali, and National Medical Director, Dr. Abraham Lieberman, and Volunteer Chairman of the Board, Mr. Nathan Slewett will appear before the House Commerce Subcommittee on Health and the Environment during their hearing on "New Developments in Medical Research." The hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, March 26th (tomorrow), and will begin at 10:30 am EST, following a brief press conference with Chairman Michael Bilirakis. Dr. Lieberman will be speak to the Subcommittee about the current status of Parkinson's disease research and recent breakthroughs in treatment. He will also make a strong case for the need for a substantially increased federal investment in Pd research (i.e. the Udall Act). In recognition of the upcoming World Parkinson's Day, Muhammad will also be signing the 'Charter for Parkinson's Rights.' This document is the result of collaboration between the leading Parkinson's organizations worldwide and has been signed by numerous international celebrity/advocates. Just yesterday in fact, former British boxing great, Henry Cooper (who fought and actually managed to knock down "The Greatest of All Time") signed the "Charter' in England. It has since been overnighted across the pond for Muhammad to sign on Capitol Hill. The NPF is honored to take part in this historic event. Muhammad's arrival in Washington always seems to draw a considerable amount of attention from both Members of Congress and the Media. It is our hope that the result of this attention will mean great things for the plight of the millions of Parkinsonians, not only in the United States, but all over the world. A transcript of Dr. Lieberman's testimony before the Subcommittee will be forthcoming, but you may get to catch a portion of it on the evening news as well. Let's hope so. Bill Turenne, Jr. NPF/ Washington