What do you do when your partner for over 20 years becomes the one in 10,000 that has Huntington’s Disease?  When you do your research, and find out that there’s not much effective safe medication, incurable, and there’s a prognosis of about 10 years before death.  And not necessarily a good quality of life 10 years.  And even more devastating, there’s a 50% chance that the HD gene has been passed on to your two sons. 

Well, you cry a lot the first year, you take all the pragmatic steps to try to ensure the best future for your family, and you hope for a cure.  So, you register your family for the Huntington Disease Walk, and ask your friends to contribute money, knowing the ecomony is tight and they have their own personal charities/lives to support.  Still, you hope for $5, or $500, or anything in between.  

Richard was diagnosed about 3 years ago, and is currently on disability.  He has bad balance and poor coordination, some neighbors thought he was habitually drunk.  His speech is slightly slurred, and his recall isn’t as sharp as it was.  But his sense of humor, easy going, uncomplaining personality and love of movies and comics is still very much intact. 

Grant and Geoffrey raised about $600 for the HD Walk at a lemonade/cookie stand.  They are very supportive and wonderful (for the most part!) teenagers.  This is not a well known or well financed disease, and I would appreciate any money you could donate.  You are also welcome to join us on the walk on September 12 in RiversidePark. 

Thank you and much love,

Carol