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Since two other families and Brig and I were the awarded the Louis J. Fishman Award, presented at the Pan Public Forum last year, I'll do the best I can to answer your questions. It is an award for excellence in advocacy , "For your outstanding contribution to public advocacy on behalf of the Parkinson community ". It is named in honor of Ken Aikemen's uncle who, I believe established the award. It is an annual award to individuals who have given themselves to advance the goals of the Parkinson's community. The previous winners were Margaret Tuckman and BarbSchirloff in 1997 for all their wonderful work in the community. This year's winners were Jim and Ethel Bence, and Kathy Hayes' mother and dad, all, because of our opening our lives to make the Faces of Parkinson video, which we showed to members of congress and to support groups all over the country. I do not know who made the nominations, all I know is that we were all surprised, when we were announced as winners. I must also admit it was one of the most emotionally draining experiences I've ever had, it took me one week to just stop crying after all the feelings that were brought to the surface. However, it was worth it, if it made members of congress understand what this disease does to it's victims and families, Unfortunately, Kathy Hayes' mother passed away last month, she gave her last breath for the community. Gerry and Brig Haines