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-- [ From: Bob Martone * EMC.Ver #2.5.3 ] -- Letter being hand carried Monday! June 13, 1998 Subject: Udall Parkinson Research Bill and Beyond Dear Representative Brady, Words can not express the elation in this home and across the Parkinson community last year when the Udall Parkinson Research Authorization Bill was passed as part of the Labor HHS Appropriations Bill. Since I had not been a politically active person, I did not understand the degree of difficulty in getting a piece of legislation passed: no matter how meritorious it might be. Your support down the home stretch meant a great deal to my wife and me. We both want to extend sincerest thanks for the letter you wrote to Chairman Porter and for co-sponsoring the bill. With additional funding available to the research community, quality of life improvements and possibly a cure will be found in time for millions of today's sufferers to benefit. For our part, we have been sidelined by yet another surgery which attempted to straighten Nancy's back and reduce the increasing levels of pain that she is experiencing as the PD continues to progress. While we will never give up hope, the surgery this time does not seem to have helped. Not sure where we go from here but our determination and faith in doctors, legislatures and in God remains strong but surely tested. As I understand the process now, the funds must be appropriated and budgeted so that we can expedite the search for a cure. I would truly appreciate your help with your colleagues and in particular with Representative Bonilla and Senator Hutchison who are fellow Texans that sit on the respective house and senate appropriations committees. I recently retired and plan to spend virtually full time serving the Parkinson community. As President of the Houston Area Parkinson Society I stand ready to help in any way I can to find the cure. Your continued support and leadership is sought as congress addresses the Budget and appropriation of funds for PD research. Enclosed you will find a petition signed by more than 5000 people, mostly fellow Texans seeking support for the Parkinson cause. Robert A. "Bob" Martone Caregiver for Nancy and President Houston Area Parkinson Society 3614 Forest Village Dr. Kingwood, TX 77339 -- Bob Martone(Nancy 53/23)