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Huntington's and Juvenile Huntington's Disease is something I had never even heard of about two years ago. Then one day, I get the news that my 9 year old son who is my only boy,  is affected with Juvenile Huntington's and there is no cure. My family and I were devastated and at a complete loss as to what comes next. Then I found the HDSA web site.

Huntington's Disease is a neurological inherited brain disease that attacks the mind and body.  Huntington's Disease and Juvenile Huntington's Disease is incurable and fatal. It takes away one's ability to reason, talk and walk along with uncontrollable movements and an array of many other symptoms that can take over the affected person so that they become totally dependent on others for their care. Any child born to a parent with HD has a 50% chance of inheriting the disease at some point in their life time.  A mutated gene on Chromosome 4 means you have Huntington's Disease.  If there is no mutation you will not develop the disease nor could you pass it down to your children or their children and so on.

Since then we have become more educated and aware of everything being done to find a Cure. We have met so many people who are also affected by this disease. When someone in a family is diagnosed with Huntington's it doesn't just affect that individual, it changes the whole family's way of life. Things that were taken for granted become precious moments that you may never be able to experience again. When I think of all the experiences that Carlos may never have it breaks my heart. Things like his first date, or the prom, or playing football with Dad, or teaching him to drive are all the little things that most of us take for granted when it comes to our children. Too soon and is such an ugly way, we are reminded of how precious life really is. Carlos has taught me and alot of others close to him this painful lesson and yet he remains so strong.

My son fights everyday to maintain as much  of a normal life as possible. He hasn't given up and neither have we. When I look at Carlos and other individuals affected with this illness, I realize just how important it is to find a cure. Huntington's Disease affects both young and old, male or female, without prejudice. Carlos is now 11 years old and there is such a drastic change in him in just two years.

Giving to HDSA means that there will be more resources available to continue the fight to change the outcome of this disease. Giving to HDSA also helps to raise awareness and educate more people about Huntington's Disease.

Please help my son Carlos and others like him win this fight by donating to HDSA. 

Thank you for taking the time to read our story. 

Carlos, Mom, and family

crystalmoc73@yahoo.com