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
Read more
James Walters – Light It Up volunteer – ON/National
When did you first become involved in volunteering with the Huntington Society of Canada? Why did you decide to do so?
I’m not exactly sure when, but it was around the time of the first meeting of the Grand River Chapters in the early 2010s. I did it as a way to honour my nephews and three sisters.
What does it mean to you to be a volunteer?
For me volunteering means giving back to a global community that has given me so much.
Can you describe the specific events or campaigns you have helped?
I was very involved in all of the Grand River Chapter work including their annual Walk to Cure. I also initiated the illumination of the CN Tower in 2015, which was the spark for May’s international #Lightitup4HD campaign (as we now know it). I continue to support that work by handling all international relationships for illumination and several local and national requests alongside the Huntington Society of Canada (HSC). I am involved with flag raisings in my local community of Guelph. I also support Jimmy Pollard with his HD Rendezvous and Worldwide New Year’s Eve Wish to Cure Huntington’s Disease.
What have been some of the benefits of volunteering?
Really, building global friendships and being part of a community have been the greatest benefits.
Have there been any memorable/funny highlights from your time volunteering?
One memorable moment was the reaction from the community to the CN Tower being lit up in 2015. We’d never done anything like that before and it meant so much to so many people to see such a recognizable site acknowledging the disease. The outpouring of support for the campaign was huge, and when HSC and I put out the call to grow the campaign the next year, multiple provinces and countries joined the campaign.
Do you have a message for the Huntington disease community, or to someone considering volunteering for the cause?
Never give up – stay in the fight. I also want to encourage younger people to pick up the torch.
