New York ? Michael J. Fox, actor and founder of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF), testified Wednesday, May 22, 2002 before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education on the status of federal funding for Parkinson's research. Joining Fox were legendary boxer Muhammad Ali and his wife Lonnie Ali in their first appearance on Parkinson's research before the Subcommittee. Fox's testimony focused on the need for Congress to increase federal research funding for Parkinson's disease at NIH. "Our foundation has funded or collaborated on 57 grants totaling nearly $17 million for Parkinson's research in the past 2 years," Fox said. "We have funded an exciting range of studies spanning basic to clinical research, from cell replacement therapies and the neural circuitry to make them work to the development of a Parkinson's biomarker. Still, available funding falls far short of the scientific opportunity. "We call on Congress and the National Institutes of Health to transform the Parkinson's Disease Research Agenda from a recommendation into an operational priority, and boost the federal research investment toward a cure. Parkinson's research has reached a critical mass and every dollar spent today has the real possibility of producing a cure for millions of patients and their families," said Fox. "In funding Parkinson's research, I believe we ought to act as surely and swiftly as we act in response to other challenges to our health, our lives, and our society." Also testifying:

• Ole Isacson, MD, Director, Neuroregeneration Laboratory, Harvard Medical School/McLean Hospital
• Joan Samuelson, President, Parkinson's Action Network
• Don Schneider, Parkinson's patient and former radio announcer from Clinton, Iowa
• Audrey Penn, MD, Acting Director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Founded in May 2000, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research has established a strategic campaign to accelerate, expand and focus funding of the world's best research targeting effective treatment and prevention of Parkinson's disease. MJFF is dedicated to pursuing every possible avenue to increase federal funding and support aggressive fundraising efforts in both private and corporate arenas to ensure that this critical battle is won. For more information on The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, visit www.michaeljfox.org.