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Get ready to raise awareness and support for Huntington's Disease during the entire month of May, also known as Huntington's Disease Awareness Month. This month-long observance was first established in 1993 by then-president Bill Clinton, as a way to educate the public about this rare and devastating neurological disorder. Despite its serious nature, there are ways to get involved and make a difference, from donating to research efforts to participating in local events. Let's come together and show our support for those affected by Huntington's Disease!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1872</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Disease Discovery</div><div class='timeline-text'>American doctor George Huntington first describes the symptoms of what would later become known as Huntington's disease.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1968</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Huntington's Disease Society Establishment</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA) is established to support individuals affected by the disease and promote research into treatments and cures.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1983</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Genetic Marker Discovery</div><div class='timeline-text'>Scientists identify the first genetic marker for Huntington's disease, allowing for earlier and more accurate diagnosis.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1993</div></div><div the='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inaugural Awareness Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Bill Clinton officially designates May as Huntington's Disease Awareness Month in order to increase public understanding of the condition.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Genetic Therapy Breakthrough</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first successful demonstration of gene therapy in a Huntington's disease animal model is reported, opening up new potential treatment strategies.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a fundraising event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a charity event such as a walk, run, or gala to raise awareness and funds for Huntington’s disease research. This is a great way to involve the community and make a meaningful impact.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share educational resources</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spread awareness by sharing informative articles, videos, or other resources about Huntington’s disease on social media platforms or through email. This can help educate others about the disease and its impact.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a local organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Reach out to organizations that support individuals and families affected by Huntington’s disease and offer to volunteer your time. This could include helping with events, providing support to patients, or raising awareness in the community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Wear blue for Huntington’s disease</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Encourage others to show their support by wearing blue, the official color for Huntington’s disease awareness. This can spark conversations and increase visibility for the cause.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a virtual fundraiser</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In today’s digital age, it’s easier than ever to organize a fundraiser online. Consider setting up a virtual event, such as a silent auction or online concert, to raise funds and awareness for Huntington’s disease.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Brings attention to the disease and those it affects</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Huntington's Disease is a devastating genetic disorder that affects both the physical and mental health of individuals. By raising awareness about this disease, we can honor those living with it and educate others about the impact it has on families and communities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Encourages research and funding for a cure</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Huntington's Disease Awareness Month is an opportunity to highlight the urgent need for more research and funding towards finding a cure. By spreading knowledge and support, we can help advance treatments and ultimately find a cure for this debilitating disease.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div> <div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Provides support for families affected by Huntington's Disease</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>For those who have a loved one with Huntington's Disease, this month serves as a reminder that they are not alone in their journey. It brings together a community of support, understanding, and resources for families and caregivers to help them cope with the challenges of this disease.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Life expectancy is greatly reduced</h3><p class='facts-content'>After the onset of Huntington's Disease symptoms, life expectancy is generally between 10 to 20 years, further stressing the urgent need for continued research.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Only one parent need carry the faulty gene</h3><p class='facts-content'>Huntington's Disease is an autosomal dominant disorder which means a child has a 50% chance of contracting the disease if just one parent has the faulty gene.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Worldwide largely under-diagnosed Condition</h3><p class='facts-content'>Huntington's Disease is believed to be largely under-diagnosed around the world due to lack of awareness and understanding of the condition and its symptoms.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>First Symptoms often Misattributed</h3><p class='facts-content'>The initial symptoms of Huntington's Disease, like mood swings, depression or clumsiness, can often be misattributed to other conditions, leading to delayed diagnosis.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>No cure, yet, but management of symptoms is possible</h3><p class='facts-content'>While there is no cure for Huntington's Disease, medications and physical, speech, and occupational therapy can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.</p></div></div>
Huntington's Disease Awareness Month is celebrated on May 1 every year. In 2024, Huntington's Disease Awareness Month will occur on a Wednesday.
2023
May 1
Monday
2024
May 1
Wednesday
2025
May 1
Thursday
2026
May 1
Friday
2027
May 1
Saturday
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