Registration is FREE and takes place Saturday, May 1 

St. Louis, Missouri (April 23, 2020) – The Missouri Chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) will host the Virtual “Kickoff” Walk on Saturday, May 1st to start Huntington’s disease (HD) Awareness Month. Registration will be free. Depending on the current situation, we hope to see you in person at the St. Louis Team Hope Walk that will take place on Saturday, September 12th at Tilles Park. 

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.  

"This year we are really in it together,” said Doug Geist, Event Coordinator. “Yes, we are still here for each other and YES, we are still walking. This is the signature event for the Missouri Chapter, and I am amazed by the people I get to work with! While COVID-19 disrupts everyone’s lives, HD continues to disrupt the lives of so many families near and dear to us. Families rely on the education, care, and advocacy services HDSA provides. We are grateful for your support and the resilience of the HD community, all of which will help us through this difficult time." 

For more information about the event, please contact Doug Geist (316-200-0684, missouri@walkforhd.org) Online registration and donation can be found at hdsa.org/thwstlouis 

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