Making A Difference Cullen's Parkinson's work will be honored

[John Cottingham <jcott@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

This article is from the Houston Chronicle: 

July 31, 2004, 6:44PM

Making A Difference Cullen's Parkinson's work will be honored


Businessman's daughter suffered from the disorder
By NANCY MARTINEZ
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle

As he sat in his office suite in the Cullen Center with its view of downtown 
Houston, Roy H. Cullen talked of the disease that eventually took the life of 
his daughter Lillie.

She suffered from Parkinson's, a progressive disorder that took away her 
ability to walk and even speak. She died in November at the age of 53.

Cullen, a prominent Houston businessman, is well-known for donating his time 
and financial support to various causes. But since his daughter's diagnosis, 
when she was 38, he has been especially passionate about helping researchers 
find a cure for an illness that affects more than 1 million Americans.

On Oct. 3, the president of the Cullen Foundation and owner of RHC Operating 
Company will be honored for his efforts by the Houston Area Parkinson Society 
with the first Cullen Quality of Life award.

"It makes me happy and sad simultaneously," said Cullen, 74. "But it brings 
attention to what's needed ? public awareness, and funds for patient care and 
research."

Nina Brown, a spokeswoman for the society, said the award will be given 
annually. Cullen is being honored, she said, for his "leadership, wisdom and 
generosity" in improving the quality of life for others.

Researchers don't know why people develop Parkinson's disease, but they know it 
causes the loss of brain cells that normally produce the neurotransmitter 
dopamine. That chemical is essential for the brain to transmit messages to the 
nervous system. Without it, people have tremors, as well as movement and 
balance problems.

The Houston Area Parkinson Society estimates that more than 15,000 people 
locally suffer from the illness.

During its October ceremony, the society plans to honor Lillie Cullen 
posthumously with an award usually given to someone with the illness whose 
outlook on life is an example for others.

"There's a lot going on in Parkinson's research," Cullen said. "HAPS is into 
taking care of the problem today. Research is into taking care of the problem 
tomorrow."

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