There are moments in time that should never be forgotten.
Moments when you know people have been touched; moments when efforts come together and a difference is made.
These moments do not come often enough in one’s life; they are special and deserve to be celebrated.
One of these incredible moments happened to me this past weekend at our national conference. Being part of a larger community, made up of family members, youth, researchers, clinicians, healthcare providers, volunteers and staff, knowing that we are working together to make what was thought to be the impossible, possible, is an honour.
The youth presence at the conference was energized, engaged and numerous. We had babies to preteens, teens, young adults and young professionals. This is our future and it is in good hands.
Members of YPAHD were everywhere at the Winnipeg Conference
Together we are working to ensure sustainability and be sure that individuals, young and old, have someone to turn to for guidance.
Together we will make sure that we have the people necessary for the clinical trials that are here. Together we will find treatments for HD.
The conference was sold out and the buzz was positive. Attendees literally rubbed shoulders with new friends and old. Everyone listened, learned and actively engaged in discussions. All voices were heard.
It takes more than a village to plan a conference. A successful conference is dependent on engaged individuals, from all walks of life, coming together to share their stories, laugh at new ones and commit to a common cause.
We have a history of commitment that started at Ralph and Ariel Walker’s kitchen table. Our history is tangible and our future is positive. The positive buzz at the conference is warranted – we have reason to be optimistic.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this Huntington Society of Canada conference, one of the most memorable.
Bev Heim-Myers, Mary Lyle Rivard David, Ariel Walker and Dan Devlin. Mary is being presented with the Ralph and Ariel Walker Founders Award.