I don't think we are breaking any new ground here.

There are already studies on clusters of Parkinson's found in different areas of the country that speculate on what caused it (this was the basis for the study that showed smokers had a lower incidence of PD; it was migrant workers in Eastern Washington). I believe there is a high incidence in Nebraska, for example, which is why they were able to get a registry through there.

Bill Bell's mom was part of a cluster - 5 of 6 homes on a beach cove had Parkinson's in them. Was it a shared well? Shell fish contamination? It is easy to show a coincidence or commonalities; much more difficult to actually prove a causal relationship (like "cigarette smoking causes lung cancer" rather than "there is a higher incidence of cancer among cigarette smokers"). But this is a research design question about level of proof (girija - maybe you can speak to this?)

As far as patient advocacy is concerned, Jackie Christensen has done a lot of work in this area. I will email a link to this thread to her; maybe she can comment.

ALSO - Bill Bell does not have a private jet - the co-founder of the NWPF is a pilot and flies a small 2 seater plane (don't' know if one or two engines); the two of them sometimes fly to visit communities about the work of the foundation.