dbiker2

I picked this from another forum, as I understand Congress starts next Tuesday 12/5 and they want to make an impact on them about Parkinsons. Here is a sample letter that is being sent.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date
The Honorable [First Name] [Last Name]
U.S. Senate/U.S. House of Respresentatives
Washington, DC. 20510/20515

Dear Senator/Representative [Last Name]:

I/We seek your support for efforts to capitalize on the unprecedented opportunity in Parkinson's research today. Our nation's scientists are making great progress in Parkinson's research - identifying environmental factors, isolating rare genetic forms of Parkinson's, understanding the mechanisms of degeneration, and learning to repair the brain through cell transplantation and other surgical techniques. The promise of more effective treatments has created tremendous optimism among fellow members of the Parkinson's community.

I [my husband/wife/parent/etc.] suffer from Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurological disorder that destroys brain cells controlling motor function. Available treatment only partially alleviates the resulting stiffness, tremor and slowness of movement. Eventually Parkinson's leaves its victims unable to walk, to talk, even to move. Personal details about how you have been directly affected will make the letter more compelling .

The scientific community believes Parkinson's research is at a point where it is realistic to expect a cure in five to ten years. A cure would profoundly impact the lives of the million Americans living with Parkinson's - but the federal government must commit the necessary resources to turn the scientific promise into reality.

Last year, Congress charged the National Institutes of Health to develop a comprehensive Parkinson's reasearch agenda. In March, after meeting with the research community, clinicians, and patient advocates, the NIH submitted its plan, outlining an agenda and professional judgment funding projections for Parkinson's research for the next 5 years. The plan recommends a $71.4 million increase over existing Parkinson's research at NIH in the first year of the plan and an increase of nearly $1 billion over 5 years.

This plan represents an historic opportunity to make progress on the causes and treatment of Parkinson's disease in a focused and effective way and to speed the development of effective treatments for this devastating disease.

I/We urge you to fund the Parkinson's research agenda beginning in FY 2001 by including an additional $71.4 million for Parkinson's research in the Labor-HHS and Education Appropriations bill. The one million Americans with Parkinson's deserve no less. Thank you for your attention; I/we look forward to your response.

Sincerely,
[Your name, Address, and Phone Number]


------------------
Darrell

__________________
Darrell