By Natalia Ryzak
(WBNG) -- The 9th annual Ann's 5K for HD will take place in Otsiningo Park on Saturday, May 8th, 2021.
The 5K raises awareness for Huntington's Disease. Huntington's Disease is a rare brain disease and a neurodegenerative disease, which means that over time people become progressively more affected by the symptoms of the disease.
Louise Vetter, President and CEO of the Huntington Disease Society of America, explains that the disease can be devastating for families, as it is hereditary.
"One of the things that makes Huntington's Disease so devastating, is the fact that it's a hereditary disease. So, if one of your parents has a genetic mutation that causes Huntington's Disease, you have a 50/50 chance of inheriting the gene, and therefore developing symptoms," said Vetter, adding that if you have children, you risk passing it down to them.
Nationwide, Huntington's Disease affects 41,000 people -- but Vetter says it could be multiples of that number because it does not include the people within those families who are at risk.