Steven Oades Memorial Fund 2011
Dear Friends and Family, August 2, 2011
This year marks the 10th anniversary the we lost Skip to Huntington’s Disease. I want to thank all of you for your continued support to find a treatment or cure for HD. Skip’s goal was to raise $100,000 towards research and at our 10 year mark, Skip’s fund has generated $148,000. I am confident he is smiling down on our consistent and dedicated efforts to help those who suffer and who are at risk for HD.
UCI is still doing amazing things. Charles Sabine, a retired Emmy award winning NBC news correspondent spoke at UCI’s Mind Institute, about his positive diagnosis for HD. UCI has also opened a Stem Cell Research Center (CIRM) that generates pluripotent stem cells for research in HD and other neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Michael, Stephany and I all went to UCI and donated a punch of skin from our forearms that will be used for research in the Stem Cell Center. Dr. Leslie Thompson’s lab is growing these cells and regenerating new ones for research. Anyone can donate.
Pfizer, Novartis, Genzyme and Lundbeck, all major pharmaceutical companies, have taken great interest in HD and other smaller neurological diseases. This is great news!
Last year, Team Steve “Skip” Oades received the award for “Largest Group” at the annual Team Hope Walk. This year’s walk will be held at Mason Regional Park again and the walk date is September 24th. Mark your calendars so we can win again!!!
I also wanted to share with you that after several counseling sessions, Stephany has decided not to test at this time. Charles Sabine said that research shows that on 10% of the people at risk in the US actually decide to test. It is a very difficult and personal decision and we support whatever she decides.
Blessings,
Linda Pimental