HD Awareness Month: Guest Blogger- Chastity from A Cowboy's Life

HAPPY MAY!!!!!!!!
May is HDSA Huntington's Disease  Awarness Month. For a little about why this cause is so near and dear to my heart, go read yesterday's post  about what  affects Huntington's Disease has on my life.

I am so excited to introduce my first guest blogger, Chastity, she blogs at  A Cowboy's Life

After seeing a comment I left on her blog, Chastity sent me a beautiful email stating that she understood what I was going through, and her family suffered as well. Chastity is an amazing blogger, check out her blog. She has been brave, strong, and willing to share her heart on my blog.

Here is Chastity's story:

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Hi guys! I’m Chastity from A Cowboy’s Life. I am honored that Alexandra asked me to write a guest post on how HD has affected my family.

Huntington Disease has taken a harsh liking to my dad’s side of the family. I have lost great grandparents, grandparents, aunts and uncles from this disease. Because of this many people in my family currently are living with HD or are at risk and are in a waiting game to see if it will affect them. The gene skipped my father (meaning neither I nor my siblings are at risk), but his two brothers have a different fate.

For those of you who may be unfamiliar with HD here is a little background. Everyone is born with the HD gene, but the disease is caused by an abnormal copy of it than can be passed down. If your parent has HD, you have a 50/50 chance of caring the gene – it also does not skip generations. If you do not inherit the gene it won’t be passed on. Those who are affected typically show symptoms between the ages of 30-50. 

To say this is the most heart breaking disease I have ever seen is an understatement. The effects that HD has had on my family are endless (with more to come) and there are so many others that are dealing with the same situation. Although this is one of the most common genetic disorders, there is still no cure or even a way to slow down the progression. 

May is Hunting Disease Awareness month and we need your help! I encourage you all to donate to TEAM ALEXANDRA. The money raised will go to HDSA to help improving the lives of people living with HD and their families.

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As always, thanks for reading!

Have a happy happy weekend,

Alex


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