“Huntington's Disease: a devastating, hereditary, degenerative brain disorder for which there is, at present, no effective treatment or cure. HD slowly diminishes the affected individual's ability to walk, think, talk and reason. Eventually, the person with HD becomes totally dependent upon others for his or her care. Huntington's Disease profoundly affects the lives of entire families -- emotionally, socially and economically.” Each child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting the disease.

What this basic description doesn’t describe is:

The constant weight of caring for an affected parent while grappling with the prospect of your own illness…

The stigma, fear and shame associated with the symptoms and genetic nature of the disease…

The apalling history of mental hospitals and forced sterilization…

The high rate of suicide associated with the disease, among those who have tested both positive and negative…

The difficulties this disease adds to the already complex decisions involving dating, marriage and children…

However, what it also doesn’t describe is:

The amazing and exciting scope of research being conducted around the world…

The endless patience and forgiveness of caregivers and friends…

The strength, compassion and love that empower the HD community with hope for better understanding, better resources and, ultimately, hope for a cure to end the legacy of Huntington’s Disease..

Having just returned from my second annual HDSA convention, I can tell you that I have seen all of these aspects of Huntington’s Disease present in the faces of so many people - my new friends, my new family - and I promise to do whatever I can to improve their lives. But, of course, I can’t do it alone, I need your help! Please do what you can today…every dollar brings us closer to a brighter future.

If you are unable to donate financially-don’t despair!- you can contribute to this cause by educating yourself and others. Awareness and knowledge will bring light to the dark shadows caused by ignorance and aversion.

If you have just five minutes, please watch the full size version of the video linked just to the left...I think it's important for those who haven't yet seen someone in the fully symptomatic stages of the disease.

Some places you can go to learn more about Huntington’s Disease:

http://www.hdsa.org/

http://hopes.stanford.edu/sttools/print/p_r_timeline.pdf

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