NEW JERSEY – The Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s (HDSA) New Jersey Chapter will be hosting the New Jersey Virtual Team Hope Walk throughout September with a closing ceremony on October 3.
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 the disease. Today, there are approximately 40,000 symptomatic Americans and more than 200,000 at risk of inheriting the disease. Huntington’s disease is described as having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s – 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 not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by Huntington’s disease.
HDSA Communications Coordinator Matthew Santamaria said “Team Hope is HDSA’s largest national grassroots fundraising event. 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 Huntington’s disease (HD) and their families.”
“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! HD is a fatal genetic disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain. In New Jersey, the total HD population is more than 8,000,” he added.
To start the process, register for the New Jersey Virtual Team Hope Walk and Run. It is free to register. Set your fundraising goal and begin making a difference in the lives of HD families. Recruit a team of friends, neighbors, and family to participate with you.
The second step is whether you walk around the block, the neighborhood or do a 1kilometer run up and down your street when, where and how far you walk is up to you.
The third step is when you individually raise your first $100, you’ll receive a Team Hope Walk t-shirt that will be mailed to you. For this year just wear last year’s shirt or make your own. Keep raising funds to be eligible for even more rewards.
Participants are urged to share a photo of themself and use #VirtualTeamHopeWalk to let the organization know where you are walking for HDSA. You can also tag us @HDSA on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
Team Hope Walks aim to raise as much money possible in the local community to support the mission and services of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. There are many different fundraising strategies you may use to have a successful fundraising campaign, and HDSA suggests that walkers use them all.
To download the Team Hope Walk Participant Packet visit newjersey.hdsa.org/about/2020-new-jersey-team-hope-walk. If your company is interested in sponsoring the walk, e-mail teamhope@hdsa.org.
