In this issue of Neurology Now, we bring you the story of one of baseball's all-time greats, Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, and his wife, Shonda. They share more of their deep commitment to fighting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis—(ALS)—nicknamed for another baseball hero, Lou Gehrig. Read on for an inspiring interview with Richard Olney M.D., a world-famous neurologist and ALS researcher, who now battles this disease. Despite his illness, he is still fighting ALS by speaking out about the disease and participating in a clinical trial of a new drug treatment for ALS—as a research volunteer.

Many people don't realize the importance of research volunteers. They are so important that we've included a new feature in Neurology Now called Clinical Trial Watch. Medical research is our hope for new therapies, and ultimately cures, for neurological disease. Much of the most important research is going on in the clinics—and the real heroes are the men, women, and children who volunteer for these clinical studies. In Clinical Trial Watch, we bring you their stories and the motivation that drives them.

Don't forget, summer is the time for vacations! It's important to take a break from the usual routine, to relax and recharge your batteries. But, for people with neurological disorders, travel may seem daunting. In Living Well, we provide tips on how to make trips to even faraway destinations feasible and fun. You will also want to check out Resource Central for lots of summertime activities, books to read and news of our upcoming "Think Neurology Now" Expo in Atlanta. That event takes place on Oct. 22, 2005! Mark your calendar now.

In addition to these stories, this issue is filled with information on the latest inroads on stroke rehabilitation and new therapies in development to treat—and possibly prevent—Parkinson's disease. We also tackle the issue of how to ensure that your wishes are carried out when you are unable to make health care decisions for yourself and how to get the most out of your doctor's visits.

Please write in and let us know your thoughts. We need your input to make sure Neurology Now continues to deliver the information you need.

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Have a safe, wonderful summer!

Sincerely,

Robin L. Brey, M.D.
Professor of Neurology Editor-in-Chief, Neurology Now