Team Hope, the Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s largest national grassroots fundraising event, will be a virtual walk set for Sunday, Oct. 4.

Thousands of families, friends, co-workers, neighbors and communities walk together each year to support HDSA’s fight to improve the lives of people affected by HD and their families, according to a news release from the Maine Affiliate of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America.

A virtual walk is a real walk, but on your terms: You get choose your own course, you can walk in your driveway, neighborhood, in your house and even on treadmill. Sign up now and participate in the virtual walk by raising money and awareness. Only virtual walker who raise $100 or more will be mailed a team hope T-shirt after the event. All donations go towards HDSA.

For more information, contact Nancy Patterson at 207-669-5212 or pattersonnancy68@gmail.com.

To register, visit maine.hdsa.org.

According to the release, 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 and 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.

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. To learn more about Huntington’s disease and the work of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, visit HDSA.org or call 1-800-345-HDSA.

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