About Huntington's Disease
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Huntington's Disease (HD) is a brain disease that is passed down in families from generation to generation. It is caused by a mistake in the DNA instructions that build our bodies and keep them running. DNA is made up of thousands of genes, called Huntingtin. Over time this error causes damage to the brain and leads to HD symptoms
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HD causes deterioration in a person’s physical, mental, and emotional abilities, usually during their prime working years, and currently has no cure. Most people start developing symptoms during adulthood, between the ages of 30 to 50, but HD can also occur in children and young adults (known as juvenile HD or JHD). HD is known as a family disease because every child of a parent with HD has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene. Today, there are approximately 41,000 symptomatic Americans and more than 200,000 at-risk of inheriting the disease.
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My Story:
Thank you for your time and understanding of Huntington’s Disease. My heart is with everyone affected by HD, as my own mother recently passed after her battle with it. My mission is to raise awareness and support the HD community in advancing testing and research. I’m fortunate to be negative for the Huntington’s gene, but my family continues to be impacted, and the fight is far from over.
20% of all sales will be donated to testing and research for HD
Genetic Testing
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People at-risk for the disease have a difficult choice about genetic testing for HD, given that there is no cure. There is no right or wrong on whether a person wants to know if they will develop the disease. Genetic testing can cost up to $1,000. Here I hope to raise enough funds to donate to an individual at-risk for genetic testing.
HD Families
Many times families that suffer from HD have to make tough decisions about how to care for their loved ones. In some cases a family member will take over and be the main caregiver to their loved one. Here I hope to raise around $500 to help with medical, food, and everyday living for HD families.
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In Vitro Fertilization
Some families who have HD decide to take the in vitro route when having children to ensure HD is not passed to their offspring. However, in vitro cost up to $30,000.
