- Billboards in 26 U.S. states and Puerto Rico raise awareness for Parkinson's drug development and The Michael J. Fox Foundation's mission to find a cure -

NEW YORK, Nov. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF) announced that its partnership with Wilkins Media Company and Lamar Advertising has been a major asset in 2009 efforts to raise awareness of the fight against Parkinson's disease. Between April and September, the digital messages supporting MJFF's efforts were seen on more than 400 Lamar digital displays in 26 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. Thanks to the generosity of Wilkins and Lamar, the visibility for the Foundation's efforts to find a cure has come to MJFF entirely free of charge.

"From Montgomery, Alabama, to Salem, Oregon, and in dozens of cities in between, thousands of people have been reminded of the urgent need to speed a cure to the estimated one million Americans living with Parkinson's," said Katie Hood, CEO of MJFF. "We are deeply grateful for the support of Wilkins Media and Lamar. Their donation is helping us reach new individuals every day who are eager to support our work to find a cure for this devastating disease."

Parkinson's disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that affects over five million people worldwide and is the 14th leading cause of death in the United States. While the average age of onset is 60, the disease can strike patients as early as age 30. There is no known cure. Current treatments mask some symptoms but bring serious side effects, lose efficacy over time, and do not slow or alter disease progression.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation was founded in 2000 to speed the development of better Parkinson's treatments - and to ultimately find a cure - through an aggressively funded research agenda. To date, the Foundation has funded over $150 million in research toward a cure. The Lamar displays highlight MJFF's emphasis on prioritizing the research most critical to speed practical new therapies to patients.

"We are thrilled to join The Michael J. Fox Foundation in its mission to find a cure for PD and improve quality of life for those living with the disease today," said Kevin Reilly Jr., Chief Executive Officer of Lamar Advertising.

About Wilkins Media Company

Established in 1965, Wilkins Media Company (WMC) has been serving the out-of-home industry and advertising community for 42 years, the last 20 years under Bill Wilkins' direction as WMC. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Wilkins simplifies multiple market out-of-home buys for both agencies and advertisers. Based on the requested markets, Wilkins will work with the client to design an out-of-home media program that best suits their needs and budget. Whether a campaign includes movie theater or transit advertising, Wild Postings, or some of the newest media types, Wilkins will provide the most competitive rates and incomparable expertise. To learn more, visit http://www.wilkins-media.com/.

About Lamar Advertising

Lamar Advertising Company is a leading outdoor advertising company currently operating over 150 outdoor advertising companies in 44 states, Canada and Puerto Rico, logo businesses in 21 states and the province of Ontario, Canada and over 60 transit advertising franchises in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Lamar Advertising Company has more than 1100 digital displays in 40 states and Puerto Rico. To learn more, visit http://www.lamar.com/.

About the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson's today. For more information, visit www.michaeljfox.org.

SOURCE Michael J. Fox Foundation

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RELATED LINKS
http://www.wilkins-media.com/
http://www.lamar.com/
http://www.michaeljfox.org