The following is a request from Katie Hood - CEO at the Michael J. Fox Foundation. PLEASE read below, then take a minute to "vote" by clicking on the link provided to help research for Parkinson's.

http://www.membersproject.com/project/view/FOY2GJ

The goal of The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) for Parkinson’s Research is to do whatever it takes to cure Parkinson's disease - Those at MJFF are working very hard to figure out a way to get to meaningful therapeutic advances and ultimately to a cure faster.

A supporter of ours has nominated the MJFF as part of the American Express Members Project. The Members Project is a grassroots effort that empowers individuals to nominate projects and causes they feel are deserving of support. There is then a multi-stage voting process (1st deadline for votes is *September 1st*). The projects that get the most votes get forwarded to the next round. Ultimately, $2.5 million will be awarded for the best ideas.

Over 1100 projects have been nominated at this point and after the September 1st vote, this group will be narrowed to the TOP 25. Every vote matters now!

While there's no guarantee if this project wins that the MJFF would be selected as the fulfilling organization, it is felt that this approach is innovative, high-impact, and making a difference. Even if MJFF doesn't win (which we hope we do!) more money to PD research wherever it goes is a great thing."

I puzzled over this for some time trying to find out what the project actually was and how MJFF was involved. I finally came back to your post and read it thoroughly to find that there is no project--just a hope and a chance that MJFF will be the (a) beneficiary.

I appreciate the innovation of looking into how business can contribute to research--but unless I am not reading something, this is like voting to throw 2.5 million dollars into the air to see who will grab all or most of it. Just what assurance is there that this money would do anything useful?

"Well, 2.5 million for any PD research is worth it---no skin off your nose to vote for it." But that isn't true. It does matter where money goes. And PD is not the only issue that needs funding.

After all the care that MJFF seems to put into its research decisions, indeed, all of its decisions, why would they endorse such a "reality tv" style of funding?

Maybe you can help me understand, Peg.

I took this announcement almost verbatim from an email Katie sent me. Apparently one of their advocates initiated this effort, then PDF and just today PAN have endorsed helping Fox Foundation by sending out announcements to their advocates. Also, I believe the Alzheimer's group was awarded the money last year. I guess it's our turn to try.

That's about all I know about it - it appears they are getting grassroots efforts more involved - and this one might bring in over $2 million!

Peg

Hi AJ and Peggy;

two of my very favorite people!!

You know, I really don't care so much what the money is spent for, I care about the publicity the cause will get should we win.

Charlie

hmmm . . . never thought about that, Charlie!

Peg

mission statements, research, questionaires, aall these things miss the point, IMHO!
I have a killer mission statement, FIND A CURE!!

Move forward, do something even if its wrong, thats ok!!

get a database going with names, emails, phones and addresses.
See the AIDS organization "ACT UP" for ideas on how to get out message out.
Look at this as a "us versus them" war, because thats what it is!
we need billions to find a cure, thats a tremendous commitment.
Lets GO!!! Parkies have a limited attention span, DON"T squander it!

Charlie