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Parkinson's Disease Foundation Commemorates 50th Anniversary

The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PDF) is pleased to announce its 50th anniversary in 2007 as a leader in Parkinson’s disease research, education and public advocacy. Created in 1957 by William Black, the founder of Chock full o’Nuts, a successful New York coffee and restaurant business, PDF was the first national not-for-profit organization to focus on Parkinson’s disease.

In honor of this milestone, PDF will host a special educational symposium in collaboration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University on October 11-12 in New York City. The symposium will be open to everyone touched by Parkinson's including researchers, clinicians, allied health professionals, people with Parkinson’s and caregivers. The parallel track program will look at the progress that has been made over the last 10 years and where we expect to see future progress.

Entitled Frontiers of Science and Clinical Advances in Quality of Life, the event will be one of the most authoritative and comprehensive pictures of Parkinson’s science ever presented. Online registration for the symposium and the James Parkinson Award Dinner (to be held the evening of October 11th) is now available.

Program Highlights : Frontiers of Science And Clinical Advances In Quality of Life

Thursday, October 11, 2007
12:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Overview of Genetics
Biology and Pathology of Synuclein, Parkin and LRRK2
Inflammation and PD Pathogenesis
Preclinical Diagnosis of PD
Respiratory, Gastrointestinal, Urological and Sexual Issues
Pain and Other Sensory Abnormalities
Living with Non-motor Complications

Following Thursday’s program, a special 50th anniversary award dinner will be held. During this dinner, PDF will present the James Parkinson Award which is bestowed every 10 years on a leader in the Parkinson's research community.

Friday, October 12, 2007
8:00 AM – 4:15 PM

Neurobiology of Dopamine Neurons
Evaluation of the Braak Staging Hypothesis
Depression, Anxiety, Compulsiveness
Sleep Disorders
Caregiver Support Issues
Gene Therapy
Cell Replacement: Future Approaches
Exercise and PD

Full details on the program, including the background of faculty members and the complete program schedule, can be viewed on the PDF website at <http://www.pdf.org/50th>www.pdf.org/50th.

Using Contributions Wisely

The kind of program described above would not be possible without the generosity of our donors. I hope you will consider making a gift to support all of our vital research, education and advocacy efforts.

As always, we strive to make sure that the ways in which we spend our money are as efficient, as transparent, and as relevant as they can be. Of each dollar that we receive, 60 cents is dedicated to scientific research; 15 cents goes for education and information; and six cents goes for patient advocacy. We use the remaining 19 cents, we use for management and fundraising.

I am proud to tell you that, in recognition of the integrity and prudence of our programs and finances, the two leading charity “watchdogs” awarded us their highest ratings in 2006. One is the highly regarded Charity Navigator, which has recognized us with its premier “Four-Star” rating. The other is the Wise Giving Alliance of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which has given us the Charity Seal of Approval.

Yours very truly,

Robin Anthony Elliott
Executive Director