The Massachusetts and Rhode Island Chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) has announced that Governor Charlie Baker has declared the month of May as Huntington’s disease (HD) Awareness Month in the state of Massachusetts.
“We are so happy that Massachusetts has designated May as Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month,” said Judith Giordano, Chapter President. “This means so much to the HD community to know that we are recognized.”
“On behalf of all HD families, I want to thank Governor Baker for helping us to raise awareness of this horrible disease by issuing this Proclamation,” said Michael Miller, Chapter board member. “Raising awareness is important in our fight to find a cure and we are all very grateful.”
According to HDSA, the total HD population in Massachusetts is more than 6,000. To learn about how you can raise awareness about HD-related legislation, log onto HDSA.ORG/CAUCUS.
###
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a fatal genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It deteriorates a person’s physical and mental abilities during their prime working years and has no cure. Every child of a parent with HD has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene. Today, there are approximately 41,000 symptomatic Americans and more than 200,000 at-risk of inheriting the disease. The symptoms of HD are described as having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s – simultaneously.
The Huntington’s Disease Society of America is the premier nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by HD. From community services and education to advocacy and research, HDSA is the world’s leader in providing help for today and hope for tomorrow for people with HD and their families. HDSA was founded in 1967 by Marjorie Guthrie, the wife of legendary folk singer Woody Guthrie. Woody died from HD complications when he was only 55 years old, but the Guthrie family legacy lives on at HDSA to this day.
To learn more about Huntington’s disease and the work of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, visit www.hdsa.org or call (800)345-HDSA.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Matthew Santamaria
Communications Coordinator
(212) 242-1968 ext. 204
msantamaria@hdsa.org
“We are so happy that Massachusetts has designated May as Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month,” said Judith Giordano, Chapter President. “This means so much to the HD community to know that we are recognized.”
“On behalf of all HD families, I want to thank Governor Baker for helping us to raise awareness of this horrible disease by issuing this Proclamation,” said Michael Miller, Chapter board member. “Raising awareness is important in our fight to find a cure and we are all very grateful.”
According to HDSA, the total HD population in Massachusetts is more than 6,000. To learn about how you can raise awareness about HD-related legislation, log onto HDSA.ORG/CAUCUS.
###
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a fatal genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It deteriorates a person’s physical and mental abilities during their prime working years and has no cure. Every child of a parent with HD has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene. Today, there are approximately 41,000 symptomatic Americans and more than 200,000 at-risk of inheriting the disease. The symptoms of HD are described as having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s – simultaneously.
The Huntington’s Disease Society of America is the premier nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by HD. From community services and education to advocacy and research, HDSA is the world’s leader in providing help for today and hope for tomorrow for people with HD and their families. HDSA was founded in 1967 by Marjorie Guthrie, the wife of legendary folk singer Woody Guthrie. Woody died from HD complications when he was only 55 years old, but the Guthrie family legacy lives on at HDSA to this day.
To learn more about Huntington’s disease and the work of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, visit www.hdsa.org or call (800)345-HDSA.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Matthew Santamaria
Communications Coordinator
(212) 242-1968 ext. 204
msantamaria@hdsa.org