What is HD? PSA Guest Post
Heath Sterling, 40
June 20, 2016
When I learned that my mom had Huntington disease (HD), I was 20 years old and just heading out the door to university.
We had no idea that Huntington disease was in our family, her diagnosis blindsided us. Because my mom comes from a big family, there were hundreds of relatives at-risk. It was a very hard thing to come to terms with.
I got involved with the Huntington Society pretty much right away. I’ve helped with fundraising and various chapter events, and I’ve served on the national board of directors. I’ve also been involved in different research studies.
I think the biggest thing the Society has done for us is help us find a sense of community. Some of the friends I’ve made through the Society are going to be friends for life.
I’ve tested negative for the Huntingtin gene, but I still have loved ones to care for. My father is in his late 70s, and I sometimes wake up at night thinking about what happens if my dad becomes sick and can’t look after my mom. I also worry about my brother. He hasn’t been tested yet, and I’m not sure how I would cope if it turns out he has the gene.
The thing I hope for is a viable treatment. I don’t think the disease is going to be easy to cure, but I think a variety of meaningful treatments will be coming down the pipe in the next ten years.
To watch Heath’s testimonial, click here.
—
Huntington disease (HD) is an inherited neurological disorder that is currently fatal and incurable. It creates emotional, cognitive and physical symptoms. To learn more about HD and how the Huntington Society of Canada supports families affected by the disease, visit www.huntingtonsociety.ca/psa-campaign.