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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Spring 21 Horizon: An Ariel View
A Message from Co-Founder Ariel Walker
Thank goodness for spring! With longer days and the wonderful return of warmth and new growth, it seems fitting that there are also so many new initiatives coming our way. Some are long-standing offerings, like HSC’s Conference and the national walk, that look a bit different this year. They’ve gone virtual to allow for participation in spite of a pandemic that hopefully is nearing its finish.
Such opportunities to participate mesh well with my philosophy to keep busy, allowing for a sense of accomplishment every day. Participating in, and even helping out (virtually) on these HD community initiatives offer the chance to achieve those goals – and it feels good.
Recently, I embarked on a project to stay busy and preserve some family heritage. I went through my stuff – inventory, let’s say – and started recording where it was purchased, or if it was a family item. This way I can pass the information along to my children so they’ll understand the stories behind the pieces. I have a piece of china from my father’s mother, whom I never had a chance to meet because she died when I was very young. It means a lot to me to have something that belongs to her, and to know that my children will as well. The whole process certainly was a walk down memory lane, with both chuckles and sadness along the way.
In looking over the pieces that belonged to my mother, I could just see that humorous glint in her eye. She passed along her mischievousness to me, and I guess that’s become part of my survival strategy. I just try to find something to giggle at every day, even when there’s not much that what be considered humorous. During that deep freeze in February I made it a point to continue to reach out to my community. One day the snow plow driver was passing and I thought, “Well, I’ve never chatted with him.” I gave him a big grin and a wave and he responded with an even greater smile and a warm “Good morning!” Reaching out and trying to smile through it all – it really makes a difference.
We’re heading into new seasons, and new times, and I hope you’ll join me in finding ways to chuckle, connect, and take it a day at a time.
Download the 2021 Spring Horizon newsletter – click here.