2020 Postcard from Palm Springs
Highlights from the 2020 CHDI HD Therapeutics Conference are now here! This year’s Postcard covers HTT-lowering therapeutics, including an
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Dave Ulch – Event Coordinator – ON
When did you first become involved in volunteering with the Huntington Society of Canada? Why did you decide to do so?
I first became involved in volunteering after a family member and friends were diagnosed with Huntington disease (HD). Following that, I looked into what we could do for fundraising activities.
What does it mean to you to be a volunteer?
For me it means putting something back into your community. It also means being able to help someone who may not have the ability or knowledge of where to start. Through volunteering, we can help guide them about the next steps to take.
Can you describe the specific events or campaigns you have helped?
We have run Trapshoot for Huntington’s for many years. In fact, on October 2, 2022, it will be our 25th year. It is a very popular event and one of a kind for the Huntington Society of Canada. It would be fantastic if other chapters would hold similar events, maybe even running all of them on the same day!
What have been some of the benefits of volunteering?
Meeting a lot of great people who are willing to help – that’s definitely a huge benefit. So many folks are looking to help with an event or a cause. Ask them to help and they probably will, especially if you know them personally.
Another big plus is that we have made new friends and have received a lot of great input from people for ideas, as well as some wonderful media coverage.
Have there been any memorable/funny highlights from your time volunteering?
There have been a few things, actually. We received the Huntington Society of Canada National Communication Award twice now. The fundraising trapshoot event has been featured in two outdoors magazines, as well as receiving additional mentions in print and online. I received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee for volunteerism from the Huntington Society of Canada. That’s a once-in-a-lifetime honour.
I have a fantastic group of friends and volunteers who jump in with no questions asked when we are ready to do the shoot and suppers. They help with door prizes, getting pledges, and ordering needed items. We have run the event in rain, snow, freezing rain and hot sun, and they don’t complain.
The BEST THING to come out of my volunteer work was that I met the love of my life. My beautiful girl Renee reached out many years ago when she was looking for a local chapter of the Huntington Society of Canada. Time passed and we are now together. She’s my rock and is always by my side.
A few years ago, I had to have my left leg amputated above the knee. It’s been a huge life adjustment. We went through it together. Once again, friends and family were there to help with so much at our home and at the shoot. We just keep going the best we can.
Do you have a message for the Huntington disease community, or to someone considering volunteering for the cause?
Please just go and do it. It’s a great cause. Find something you like to do and make it an event. It could be a fishing derby, ATV Day, shooting event, or geocaching. Whatever it is you like, you can make something out of that interest and turn it into a way to help people facing HD.
Make a positive difference in the world. It doesn’t have to take a lot from you, but take that step
