http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...k/7335132.html

Some of you might have seen a recent op-ed in the Houston Chronicle by Michael J. Fox drawing attention to the need for increased participation by volunteers in clinical trials. This letter will run in additional markets in coming weeks -- particularly in regions where our new PPMI study is getting underway.

As many of you know, the PPMI study seeks to follow very early stage PD patients and non-PD volunteers intensively for up to 5 years in an attempt to collect reams of data (clinical, biologic and imaging) to better understand disease progression. Such assessment could help find biomarkers of progression--that is the hope--and dramatically improve the design and speed of clinical trials for disease modifying therapies.

One hope is these very early stage patients will learn about such opportunities when they connect with experienced advocates in the PD community (like you guys!)...please help us educate the newly diagnosed about their disease, about getting engaged, about considering being part of the research solution by participating in trials.

Debi