My name is Audrey Watson and on October 23, 2010 I will begin running the Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race in India. This race will traverse isolated jungles, pine forests, and across major rivers while passing through small settlements and villages. I will run between 17-26 miles a day for five days through rain and snow and even run past the four highest peaks in the world - Kanchenjunga, Mt. Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. I will sleep in grass huts without the luxury of showers or a warm bed. The discomforts of this short trip are nothing compared to those living with Huntington's Disease.

I am running for my friends fighting this disease. Friends like 12-year old Terry Leach ( http://www.hdsasandiego.org/aev-57.aspx) and 15-year old Sebastian Hernandez who have Juvenile Huntington¹s Disease. (JHD) is a form of Huntington¹s Disease that occurs in individuals under 20 years of age.

HD is a genetically caused brain disorder that causes uncontrollable bodily movements and robs people's ability to walk, talk, eat, and think. An estimated 30,000 Americans have it, and at least 300,000 more are at risk.

HD affects both sexes, all ages and all ethnic groups. Everybody carries the Huntingtin gene, but in some people it goes awry, leading to an attack on
the brain. The final result is a slow, ugly death. Children of a parent with HD have a 50-50 chance of inheriting the condition, and the disease can
start as early as childhood. There is no cure or treatment.

Please support my efforts to find a cure for this devastating disease by making a donation today.

Gratefully,
Audrey 

For more information, please go to www.Hdsa.org   

To follow along with me throughout my trainings and Himalayan adventure please go to:

http://himalayan100milestagerace.blogspot.com/