 |
 |
On Thursday, May 21, 1998. Representatives from the National Parkinson Foundation were invited to meet with the First Lady, Hillary Clinton to discuss NPF’s most important issue - - research funding for Parkinson’s disease. NPF’s Chairman of the Board, Mr. Nathan Slewett, accompanied by NPF Board of Governor member, Norma Udall, NPF Clinical Director, Abraham Lieberman and the Foundation’s Washington Counsel, Larry Hoffheimer were able to present a very strong argument to Mrs. Clinton urging the administration to support full funding of the recently passed Morris K. Udall Parkinson Research and Education Act. Mr. Slewett described the very important work being accomplished in this area by the private voluntary health sector, while Dr. Lieberman made an impassioned presentation demonstrating how close we really are to unraveling the mysteries of Parkinson’s disease and ultimately finding a cure. The unparalleled effort of the grassroots activists was portrayed by Larry Hoffheimer when he described how thousands of activists around the country worked tirelessly in a joint effort to get the Udall Bill passed. He called it a legislative victory for the Parkinson Community. Norma Udall, who has met Mrs. Clinton on several occasions, brought a personal touch to the meeting. She was able to discuss firsthand her experience in dealing with her husband’s longtime struggle with the disease. Mrs. Clinton was very interested and open to hearing the testimony of each representative. Everyone involved left the meeting with a real sense of accomplishment in knowing the voices of the Parkinson Community have been heard at the "top of the hill"! We are thankful to Mrs. Clinton for her time and hope she will add the final fuel to the fire to get the allocated funds appropriated. Congratulations to all of you. Melinda Brown