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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Sharon Assman – Chapter Secretary – SK
When did you first become involved in volunteering with the Huntington Society of Canada (HSC)? Why did you decide to do so?
Before I retired from teaching, I had only been involved with HSC on a small scale, helping my mom with the Amaryllis campaign and attending some information sessions. My dad and two sisters had Huntington disease (HD) and I was at risk, so we were looking for support and information.
After retiring (it will be 20 years this spring), I became much more active in our local society and I have served as secretary for most of those years.
Ultimately, I decided to volunteer because it was something I could do to help the cause. I was the only one left in my immediate family and it was a responsibility I felt I needed to take on.
What does it mean to you to be a volunteer?
Volunteering gave me an opportunity to meet and interact with others in similar situations. I was fortunate to attend two national Conferences and they were emotional and informative experiences.
Can you describe the specific events or campaigns you have helped?
Our local chapter has been involved in many specific events through the years and I helped as needed. The Amaryllis campaign is one that I have carried out for many years and I thank our local community so much for supporting HSC through this fundraiser.
For many years we have held our Walk for A Cure each spring and it has been a successful fundraiser. Participation in the event has been increasing and it is becoming a wonderful family event. In the past, I have been happy to organize drinks and healthy snacks for the event. I hope that once Covid restrictions lift this event will continue to grow.
Do you have a message for the Huntington disease community, or to someone considering volunteering for the cause?
Helen Keller said, and I quote:
“Alone we can do so little
Together we can do so much.”
Let us all continue to work together with the Huntington Society of Canada for a world free of HD some day in the future. In the meantime, let us provide support and resources for those in need.
