Sample Letter to the Editor
In 1997 the Congress overwhelmingly adopted the Morris K. Udall
Parkinson's Disease Research Act, historic legislation that authorized
the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to devote up to $100 million
per year for Parkinson's-focused research. To date that funding has
not been appropriated — despite promising research and a compelling
national need. Moreover, the NIH continues its disturbing practice of
reporting to Congress funding totals for Parkinson's that include a
significant amount of research — more than half! — that is not truly
focused on Parkinson's disease as required by the Udall Act.
As a person living with Parkinson's disease or Parkinsonism (PD), I am
all too familiar with its symptoms, which result from the degeneration
of nerve cells in the mid-brain, and a corresponding loss of the
neurotransmitting chemical dopamine produced by those cells.
Parkinson's destroys physical movement, coordination and speech, and
ultimately leaves its victims incapable of caring for themselves.
[Include personal anecdotes here]
Parkinson's does not discriminate — it afflicts people regardless of
gender, race, background, behavior, lifestyle or geographic area.
Despite the common perception that Parkinson's is an "old person's"
disease, the average age of diagnosis is 57 years, with many diagnosed
in their 30s and even 20s. 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year —
one every nine minutes. Parkinson's robs people of their lives and
their ability to contribute fully to their family, community and
country.
However, tremendous research potential exists in several areas,
including neuroprotective agents, improved stimulation devices, cell
replacement, and bioengineering of cells. But this potential can only
be translated into improved therapies, treatments and potential cures
if there is adequate federal support for Parkinson's research.
Congress must now follow through and fulfill its commitment to the
Parkinson's community by adding to basic Parkinson's disease research
the NIH is already conducting, specifically funding increases of $50
million for the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
and $25 million for the National Institute of Environment Health
Science in the fiscal year 2000 Labor/HHS Appropriations bill. To
provide the resources for these much needed increases, I urge Congress
to support efforts to keep the NIH budget on track to double over five
years. Time is not neutral for people with Parkinson's — the disease
is progressive, chronic and absolutely relentless — and we can't afford
to wait any longer.
(Signed)
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Organization
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