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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Tiffany Reider – Chapter Secretary – MB
When did you first become involved in volunteering with the Huntington Society of Canada (HSC)? Why did you decide to do so?
My family and I have been involved with the Huntington Society of Canada for many years. The first fundraising event we participated in was the Huntington’s Indy Go-Kart Race back in 2005. Since then we have participated every year. Because we’ve always been involved with fundraising events, it just seemed natural for me to volunteer for the position of Secretary on the Board of the Manitoba Chapter when it became open. Volunteering with HSC reaffirms that we are moving closer to a day when we will only read about Huntington disease (HD) in the history books.
What does it mean to you to be a volunteer?
I was fortunate enough to make memories and remember the days before my grandmother was in the advanced stages of Huntington disease. Now that HD has progressed, I am not able to go with her to garage sales, her favorite activity, or out for lunch. However, volunteering with HSC gives me hope that one day another granddaughter and grandmother will never have to stop the activities they love because of HD.
In what specific events or campaigns have you participated?
Prior to joining the Chapter Board, I had always participated in the Huntington’s Indy Go-Kart Challenge; last year our team was the highest fundraising team. I am also a big supporter of the Amaryllis campaign – who doesn’t love flowers for a good cause? Now that I am involved with the Chapter Board, it has given me the opportunity to help plan and coordinate these events and others like the Walk/Run (usually held in June) or helping to light up sites and structures in Winnipeg for LightItUp4HD during May, HD Awareness Month.
What have been some of the benefits of volunteering?
Volunteering with HSC has given me the opportunity to meet and connect with other individuals whose lives have also been affected by HD. It also has given me the ability to better educate friends and the public about HD.
Have there been any memorable/funny highlights from your time volunteering?
Pretty much all of my memories from volunteering are memorable. Our Manitoba Chapter has a great time together. I think one thing I have missed, though, is due to COVID we haven’t had very many/if any in-person meetings/events. I miss seeing everyone!
Do you have a message for the Huntington disease community, or to someone considering volunteering for the cause?
Personally, I find volunteering with HSC to be rewarding. Having a family member who has HD and being able to help plan events/fundraise for the community means so much to me. It gives me hope that we are moving close to a way to stop or delay the progression of HD every day. I think if other individuals are looking for other ways to show support for family and friends, this is the best way.
