Charlotte Mancuso wrote: > > > The group that seems to be missing as public advocates for PD > research are the researcher, clinicians and doctors who are involved > with PD research and treatment. Is it my impression that they seem to > be above the fray? If so, how can they become involved? > > ---------------------------------- > Hello, > > On September 28, there was a Senate hearing before the L/HHS/E appropriations subcommittee > regarding focused funding for PD research. Among those testifying (Michael J. Fox, Jim Cordy, > NPF, Joan Samuelson, PAN, Dr. G. Fischback head of the NINDS, National Institute of > Neurological Disorders and Stroke), was Dr. William Langston, Founder and President of the > Parkinson's Institute in Sunnyvale, CA. Dr. Langston is a world-renowned expert in > Parkinson's research. He discovered MPTP used to create a Parkinson's animal model from > which to study the physiology of the brain, the disease process, and to test new therapies, > and he sees patients in the clinic. > > But I know what you mean. Even though they partner with groups like PAN and testify at > hearings, give talks, and even speak to the media, they usually do maintain a sort of detached > objectivity that really is kind of traditional in the sciences. I'm sure there are political > reasons, conflicts of interest issues, and so on; but I liken this demeanor to the research > papers they write that are always in passive voice, which gives their work the tone of this > same detached objectivity, e.g., > > the substantia nigra was lesioned and parkinsonian symptoms were > observed... > > (or perhaps the detachment of a past President who doesn't want to take responsibility for > some debacle, such as the famous or infamous phrase "mistakes were made," uttered by President > Reagan during the Iran-Contra scandal.) > > Well, I digress-- just some thoughts...I don't know how to involve them more. Call Pan when > this busy funding period is over: 1-800-850-4726. > > Charlotte > > > ----------------------------------------- > Charlotte Mancuso > *************************************************** > For advocacy, medical, and other PD-related material, go to: > http://www.onelist.com/subscribe/CurePD-NorCal > -- Charlotte Mancuso *************************************************** For advocacy, medical, and other PD-related material, go to: http://www.onelist.com/subscribe/CurePD-NorCal