Thank you for visiting my Family's Fundraising Page. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also an efficient way to make a contribution to our fundraising efforts. However, I gladly accept donations sent to me by snail mail. ;0) Thank you for your support -- and don't forget to share this page with anyone who you think might want to donate to help end Huntington Disease.

Gerri celebrated her 45th birthday on June 5. I was thankful for that day and that I could be with her. A joy that I didn't have with her brother, Gilbert, as we lost him before he turned 45. I am very thankful that I had/have my children for this long as many families within the Huntington Disease community loose their children to JHD (Juvenile Huntington Disease) before they have a chance to really live life.

Because of these family ties, and the many other HD families I have met over the years since learning about HD, I am again working with the wonderful HD Support Group we have here in San Antonio toward our 6th Annual Team Hope Walk on September 10, 2011. Your support in the form of a donation will help make a difference in the lives of many HD families.
 

The gene that causes HD is required for birth to take place, so everyone has that gene. Many people have the gene in the abnormal range which causes them to have Huntington Disease. We don't know how many people have the gene in the "Normal Highly Mutable" range, where the person doesn't have HD, but due to mutation when the sperm or egg is formed, their child will be the first in that family to have HD.

HD strikes from birth to death. The youngest I have heard of being tested is 6 months and the oldest I have heard of being diagnosed is 88. Many people are diagnosed in the 30 to 50 age span of life. The life span after diagnosis can be from 10 to 25 years, less when a child is diagnosed. During these years, the person looses so much in many ways, as the brain is destroyed,  ability to walk, talk, eat, and care for themselves, leading to dependence on others for their care.

Again, thank you for your support. I would like to thank each person personally, so if you give your email or snail mail address, that would help me.

Love, peace and prayers, Gerleine

 Personal Quote:
"live your life the best you can,
don't let HD steal from you before it's time."