Registration is FREE and takes place Sunday, May 17
Connecticut (April 23, 2020) – The Connecticut Chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) will host the Connecticut Virtual Team Hope Walk on Sunday, May 17. Registration will be free.
A virtual walk is a real walk, but on your terms: You get to choose your own course, you can walk in your driveway, neighborhood, in your house and even on treadmill. All proceeds support HDSA’s mission to improve the lives of people affected by HD and their families.
Team Hope is HDSA’s largest national grassroots fundraising event, which takes place in over 100 cities across the U.S. and has raised more than $14 million for HD since its inception in 2007. Thousands of families, friends, co-workers, neighbors and communities walk together each year to support HDSA’s mission to improve the lives of people affected by HD and their families.
"The Connecticut Chapter is very excited to have the opportunity to be safe but still raise awareness and funding for our HDSA mission,” said Susan McGann, HDSA’s Connecticut Chapter President. “Family is everything and we want our families and supporters to be able to stay safe at home but also able to spread awareness and raise funds for our mission of improving the lives of everyone affected by Huntington's disease. We can't wait to see all the virtual participants and where they are walking.”
For more information about the event, please contact Sue McGann (860-558-8847, cthdsa@gmail.com). Online registration and donation can be found at hdsa.org/thwct
HDSA's Team Hope Walk Program is nationally sponsored by Genentech and Teva Pharmaceuticals.
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Huntington’s disease 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 usually 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 that causes Huntington’s disease. Today, there are approximately 41,000 symptomatic Americans and 200,000 at-risk of inheriting the disease. In less than 10% of cases, juvenile Huntington’s disease (JHD) affects children & adolescents. JHD usually has a more rapid progression rate than adult onset HD; the earlier the onset, the faster JHD progresses. HD is described as having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases – simultaneously. HD is characterized by a triad of symptoms, including progressive motor dysfunction, behavioral disturbance and cognitive decline.
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