The evening began with an inspirational and moving interview between National Public Radio host and dinner co-host, Diane Rehm and Michael J. Fox.  Fox provided insight and laughter as he spoke candidly about living with Parkinson's disease.

The evening continued with Rep. Mark Udall honoring the retiring Rep. Lane Evans and his hard work and committment to the fight against Parkinson's disease. 

The awards ceremony honored the following recipients:
Former Attorney General Janet Reno received this year's prestigious Udall Award.  The Morris K. Udall Award for Public Service is presented to those distinguished individuals who have made important contributions to public policy with humor, grace and dignity.

As the first woman Attorney General of the United States, Reno has dedicated her life to public service.  After her diagnosis in 1995, she remained vigilant to carry out her duties as Attorney General and became committed to assist the Parkinson's community to increase awareness of the disease and to increase funding for Parkinson's disease research.

The Buddy Award for Enduring Spirit is given to an individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to th ebetterment of human kind in their work, family life and charitable endeavors.  This year's award recipient was Dr. Stephen Reich, Co-Director of the Maryland Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center, University of Maryland.  He is a nationally recognized expert in movement disorders.

Jackie Christensen, PAN Minnesota State Coordinator, received the Milly Award for Outstanding Advocacy.  Jackie is an environmental activist who was diagnosed with Parkinson's at age 34.  After her diagnosis, Jackie brought her advocacy to Washington and represented PAN as a speaker at press conferences on Capitol Hill on the momentous occasions of the House and Senate stem cell votes. 

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