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In a message dated 11/25/98 1:37:46 PM Central Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes: << I think Michael J. Fox would be an excellant advocate for our cause, should he choose to do so, because he is young, personable, and international with ties to both Canada and the U.S. >> I think we have some homework to do folks. Even if Mr. Fox asked us to help him educate the public, what it is we want them to learn? It should be important stuff that once known by the general news media/public will impact on our lives. How about sending me your ideas on the subject? Depending on the response, I would attempt to refine and catalog these. The plan would be to make these ideas available on demand to anyone. FACTS THE PUBLIC NEEDS TO KNOW: Example #1: (heavy anecdotal/clinical evidence). The Parkie does poorly in nonverbal communication. I have read communication experts that say this is the most important form of communication. Some have suggested a very high percentage (up to 75%?, even more?) of communication on the street is non verbal The news media has already misinterpreted Mr. Fox's partially masked face. The other day, I heard a tale of having his limo circle the block three times "for his tremor to go away." The next statement was that he was in a somber mood. They have no idea what kind of mood the masked face, soft voiced, non- smiling PWP is in. Who hasn't had to wait for a pill to kick in? Sometimes I got everything back at once. Often, things returned piecemeal. The masked face is a part of this thing. Perhaps now, with Mr. Fox's help, we can get the idea out that our voice is soft and our body language nearly mute. However, that doesn't mean we are not able to communicate. Example #2 (requires documentation). PARKINSON'S IS *NOT* an "old person's disease" any longer! Excuse me - but _ I _ got MY first, vague Parkinson's symptoms around age 32! The numbers of currently existing Parkinsonian's, nation-by-nation and world- wide are grossly downplayed as is the potential severity of the disease. Example #3 (anecdotal evidence). The disease spells financial disaster to many if not most sufferers (especially young sufferers). Not all of us are Michael J. Fox's type of Parkie. Many of us live on limited incomes, derived from a Variety of sources - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, decreasing savings, alimony, home refinancing, and often MUST rely on financial and personal-time caregiving and charity from family and friends. Regards, WHH 55/19