Like all disease, Huntington's Disease (HD) is brutal. But unlike cancer or Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, most people haven't heard of HD, and that's part of what made the 2010 Celebration of Hope Gala to benefit HDSA so important tonight.
HD is a “hereditary, degenerative brain disorder that results in the loss of cognitive, behavioral and physical control.” It's kind of like Alzheimer's, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's disease all rolled into one. There is no cure, and the really tragic part of it all is that the children of those afflicted have a 50/50 chance of inheriting the gene.
A colleague of mine, the Chargers PR Director Bill Johnston, is heavily involved in the fight against this disease because his wife Romona has it. Meaning, unfortunately, that his children may very well have it as well.
I'm almost embarrassed to say it, but until last night I too knew shockingly little about this disease. That's why I feel so good about having gone to this event...evening though my company paid for our tickets, I am now infinitely more aware of the on-going fight against this disease.
And that counts for something.
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