Huntington's Disease (HD) is a neurological, familial disease, passed from parent to child through a mutation on the 4th chromosome. Each child of an HD parent has a 50-50 chance of inheriting the gene which causes degeneration of brain cells, resulting in the loss of the ability to walk, think, talk, reason, and swallow. Onset generally appears at midlife, but in some, onset occurs in childhood (juvenile HD) or in old age (late onset). The disease profoundly affects the lives of entire families, as the person with HD becomes totally dependent on others for his/her care. About one in 10,000 Americans have this disease. Since 1993, a genetic test has been available to those at-risk, to determine whether or not (s)he carries the HD gene. The test does not indicate at what age the disease will develop.
How You Can Help
Contribute in the following ways:
- Prayers for a safe journey
- A donation of any amount
- Arrange or provide accommodations in homes or churches along the route (contact Marie)
- Organize a fundraising or awareness event with family, friends, church, or social group (contact Marie)
- Be a guest rider (contact Marie)
- Buy a ride T-shirt $15-20 plus postage
- Be listed as a Sponsor on the ride T- shirt - $75 minimum
During the ride Marie will write a message recounting the highlights and progress of each day. Send an E-mail to Marie’s husband at ronnemec@gmail.com to request subscription.