Pan Forum 2002 - Nan Abraham

Last month I spent some pretty invigorating days in Washington DC.  I attended the 8^th Annual Public Policy Forum hosted by Parkinson’s Action Network (PAN). This was my second forum and I found it to be a very exciting experience. The turnout of attendees was tremendous. There were more than more than 230 people attending from all over the United States and Canada. I found the group to be eager to learn and ready to give they’re all.

The forum consisted of three days. There were excellent speakers sharing information about goals, strategies and an over view of the political process. Presentations were given on what is currently going on with Parkinson’s research. There were research scientists on hand to talk about studies related to embryonic stem cells, therapeutic cloning and various drug therapies. It was very hopeful to hear about some of the tremendous strides being taken. We talked about how important our roles were as part of the grassroots advocacy program.

 The training and preparation to go to Capitol Hill was wonderful. I was fortunate enough to be a part of a very knowledgeable and experienced team. I am pleased to say that my team did a fantastic job of communicating the needs for Parkinson’s funding and educating our representatives as to the necessary support to meet our goal of finding a cure for Parkinson’s.

Many of us from the PAN forum attended the Senate Subcommittee hearing on Parkinson’s disease. We listened to testimonies given by Michael J Fox; Muhammad Ali supported by his wife Lonnie, Joan Samuelson, Don Schneider, Dr Audrey Penn and Dr Ole Isacson. All of the testimonies were compelling and drove the point home that time is of the essence and that inadequate Parkinson’s funding will result in missed opportunities for improved treatments and ultimately finding a cure.

I went to the forum with the intention of learning more about what I could do as an individual and how I could support the efforts of PAN. It was truly an enlightening trip and I feel I have taken much home with me. I know more about what I can do better to serve our efforts. I would like to thank the Parkinson’s Action Network and congratulate them on executing a fabulous forum. I would also like to thank the 2002 Public Policy Forum Sponsors for supporting this endeavor and making it possible for more advocates to attend this year. Together we truly can make a difference and each play a role in “Fighting For A Cure”

Nan Abraham