I AM SO VERY EXCITED TO BE RUNNING THE SAN DIEGO ROCK 'N' ROLL MARATHON ON JUNE 5,2011 IN SUPPORT OF THE HDSA NATIONAL YOUTH ALLIANCE (NYA). THE NYA WAS CREATED TO SUPPORT THE YOUTH AFFECTED BY HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE.

Huntington's Disease, or HD, is a genetic neurodegenerative disease that causes the brain to degenerate (break down). The degeneration causes uncontrolled movements, loss of intellectual faculties, and emotional disturbance. A person with HD will become complete dependant on others. HD usually affects people around mid-life (30-40) but there is also Juvenile HD that affects children. A typical life span after being diagnosed with HD is 10-25 years. HD is genetic so it is passed through families. A child with a parent with HD has a 50% chance of inheriting this disease. At this time there is no current treatment or cure for HD.

 

Huntington's Disease is a disease that directly affects the whole family so support for a youth dealing with this disease is very important and the NYA does an excellent job at providing support. The NYA is a GREAT thing to be a part of if you are a youth dealing with HD. 

I am doing this in appreciation of the support that the NYA provides for all of the NYA members. Every year the HDSA holds a National Convention for those affected by HD. Attending convention is an amazing experience when you can feel so alone in dealing with this disease. The NYA offers scholarships for youth affected by HD to attend this convention. I can tell you from my own experience that there are only positive things to be gained from getting the chance to attend an HDSA National Convention. The experience is priceless. Nowhere else will you find the support that you will receive at convention. The cause is very dear to me and I appreciate everyone's support tremendously!!

Thank You HDSA-NYA for everything you do!!

Please check out www.hdsa.org/nya for more information about this cause.

Please support the NYA by sponsoring me for the Rock 'n" Roll Marathon!!!

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!