HDSA LA 5K Walk/Run

The HDSA LA 5K walk/run is an annual fund raising effort by the Los Angeles Chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA). It is run by a number of up and coming young television and motion picture actors, writers and behind the scenes people all dedicated to helping find the cure for Huntington’s Disease (HD).

Proceeds from the walk go toward funding the HDSA Center of Excellence at UCLA and also toward funding HDSA research grants to places such as the University of California at Irvine (UCI). A portion of the proceeds fund the Marion Dougherty Fund that provides an annual travel experience for an HD family as a way for them to get some family time away from the rigors of the disease.

The run is held on September 20, 2008 at the CBS Radford lots in Studio City, California. Walk chair is actor Billy Aaron Brown.

What is Huntington’s Disease?

Huntington's Disease (HD) is an inherited, progressively degenerative brain disorder that results in a loss of both mental faculties and physical control. Symptoms usually appear in an individual between 30 to 50 years of age and progress over a 10 to 25 year period. HD affects the individual’s ability to think, speak and walk. Ultimately, the weakened individual succumbs to pneumonia, heart failure or other complications. Presently, there is no effective treatment or cure. Although medications can relieve some symptoms in certain individuals, research has yet to find a means of conquering or even slowing the deadly progression of HD.

Every person who inherits the HD gene will eventually develop the disease.

Who is At-Risk?

Approximately 30,000 Americans have HD and over 200,000 more are at-risk of inheriting it from a parent. This is roughly the same as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Once thought of as a rare disease, HD is now considered to be one of the more common hereditary diseases.

HD does not skip generations; if one does not inherit the gene, one cannot pass it on.

An End to HD?

The outlook for solving the puzzle of Huntington’s Disease is promising. In 1993,

researchers were finally able to identify the gene that causes HD. Momentum in HD research continues to increase our understanding about the Huntington's gene and how it functions. Current research projects or those in development could provide the next major discovery at any time.

The Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) funds both clinical and basic research at leading hospitals and research facilities through the HDSA Coalition for the Cure, the HDSA Grants and Fellowships program and through our HDSA Centers of Excellence for Family Services. With your help, our continued commitment to research funding will solve the puzzle of HD.

What is the Huntington’s Disease Society of America?

The Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) is a national voluntary non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for Huntington’s Disease while providing support and services for those patients and families, caregivers and medical professionals who are living with HD. Founded in 1967, HDSA promotes and supports both basic and clinical HD research, aids families throughout the continuum of HD and educates families, the public and healthcare professionals about this devastating disease.

HDSA’s Programs

Research - Funding of both basic and clinical research into the causes and treatment of HD and ultimately, a cure.

Patient and Family Services - A national network of services and referrals for HD families through local HDSA chapters, affiliates, support groups, social workers and the HDSA Centers of Excellence.

Education - Dissemination of information and ways and materials to educate the public, HD families and allied healthcare professionals.

How You Can Help...

Participate in the HDSA LA 5k Walk/Run. Contact Lisa Gaetje at 951—768-3197 or lgaetje@hdsa.org or Steve Seekins at 818-526-7753 or steves3@pacbell.net.

Sponsor the walk.

Sponsorship levels:

Presenting Sponsor: $2,500--$7,500

Benefits:

Name Bold and in primary position on event t-shirt
Name on promotional material and media
Highest and biggest recognition on event signage
Recognition and thanks from the podium
Highest and biggest recognition on the event thank you materials in the event goodie bags.
The right to have a representative bring greetings to the group on walk day.

Gold Sponsor: $1,000

Benefits:

Name in secondary position on event t-shirt
Name in secondary position on promotional material and media
Recognition on event signage
Recognition and thanks from the podium
Secondary position recognition on the event thank you materials in the event goodie bags.

Silver Sponsor: $500
Benefits:
Name on event t-shirt
Name in third position on promotional material and media
Recognition and thanks from the podium
Third position recognition on the event thank you materials in the event goodie bags.

Bronze Sponsor: $300

Name in lowest position on promotional material and media
Recognition and thanks from the podium
Fourth position on the event thank you materials in the event goodie bags.

Greater Los Angeles Chapter HDSA/LA
9903 Santa Monica Blvd #106
Beverly Hills, CA 90212

(800) 686-9868
Helpline: (888)4-HDSALA