Thank you for visiting my Fundraising Page. My goal is to raise awareness and the funds for research to find a cure and to bring a Center Of Excellence to Nashville.
Huntington's Disease affects the part of the brain that controls thinking, emotion and movement and gets worse over time. Symptoms include poor memory, depression and/or mood swings, lack of coordination, twitching or other uncontrolled movements, difficulty walking, speaking and/or swallowing. There are no treatments, just medicine to make the symptoms "not so bad". Over time, the medicines will no longer work and the individual will be completely dependent on others to care for them as the body and mind slowly deteriorate.
My sisters, Angie & Anita...they have both inherited the devastating Huntington's Disease gene. This is a hereditary disease and was passed down from our father, Jerry Sellars who took his life because of this disease at the young age of 37. This is one of the cruelest diseases I have encountered and it has invaded our family. Since this is a hereditary disease, any offspring of an affected parent has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the disease. There is no rhyme or reason to this disease, it affects all gene positive individuals on different levels and there is no cure...YET! With the love & support of my wonderful family & friends, I went through the testing process in May 2009 and my results came back negative. This was one of the happiest and most guilt ridden days of my life. I can never develop the disease or pass the HD gene on if I ever decided to have children. I have 4 nieces and nephews that are precious gifts and they are now at risk to develop this disease, they each have a 50/50 chance.
A Center of Excellence in Nashville will provide high quality clinical care & services to individuals and families affected by HD. Currently, the closest Centers are in Indianapolis, IN. or Atlanta, GA. The Centers are staffed with Neurologists, Psychiatrists, Social Workers, Physical & Occupational Therapists and other professionals; all with the commitment to caring for individuals with HD & their families. The Centers also provide clinical trials to help with Huntington’s research.
I want to give my sisters more HOPE for them and their children, a place they can go and ask questions and feel that a difference is being made. I ask you for your help in making this happen, I cannot do it alone. Any donation is appreciated - you can give your name or remain anonymous if you like. The First Giving website is a completely secure website but if you do not wish to donate online, you can contact me at kimsell7@aol.com and we can arrange for your donation to be mailed in or I can pick it up - the main thing is to make sure your donation is marked for the Nashville area. If you are participating in the Walk of Hope, you can also bring any donations the day of the walk.

Thank you for your friendship and support,
Kim Sellars