Leaders in PD Research and Service Announce Intention to Merge

The Boards of Directors of the National Parkinson Foundation (NPF) and the Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PDF) have voted approval, in principle, to merge the two organizations. This strategic decision by two pioneering organizations in Parkinson's research and services heralds a new and promising era for the Parkinson's community.

The agreement, which was confirmed by the PDF Board on July 23 and the NPF Board on July 18, will create a new organization to be known as the Parkinson Foundation, with offices in New York City and Miami, FL. The new Foundation will begin with an annual budget estimated at $15–20 million and with a mission to support and promote scientific research, patient services and education and public advocacy. Nathan Slewett, chairman of NPF, and Dr. Lewis P. Rowland, president of PDF, will co-chair the new Board of Directors. Herbert Zemel will serve as president and Page Morton Black as honorary chairman.

Lewis P. Rowland, M.D. President, PDF

"The beneficiaries of this merger are all the people living with Parkinson's disease and their families worldwide," said Dr. Rowland. "This merger brings together two of the nation's leading Parkinson's organizations to form a network of information exchange at medical institutions such as Columbia University in New York City, Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago, and the University of Miami. We hope to hasten the day when this deeply disabling condition can be relegated to the history books."

Nathan Slewett Chairman, National Parkinson Foundation

Formal completion of the merger is expected in early 2003. In the interim, both Foundations will maintain their respective corporate identities while acting, in effect, as a single organization.

The governing body of the merged organization will be composed initially of equal numbers of members from the current Boards of NPF and PDF. Robin Anthony Elliott, Executive Director of the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, will serve as the CEO of the merged organization and maintain an office in New York City while the operations of the new organization will be managed in Miami, FL under the direction of Jose Garcia-Pedrosa, the Chief Operating Officer (COO).

The leaders of the new Foundation expect to see synergy in all areas of operations, from medical research funding to patient support programs.

"This move ensures that we continue to create a national network of research, treatment, and support centers," said Nathan Slewett. "The ultimate objective is to improve the quality of life of those living with Parkinson's disease by educating more people and reaching out to new untapped groups who are in need. We would like to offer Parkinson's patients and their families the best treatment options, educational resources and support services available while actively fighting to eradicate this disease that currently afflicts nearly a million Americans today. We strongly believe that our combined experience and resources will go a long way towards achieving these goals."