A Family Tradition - a Column by Carlos Briceño

Who will become the next president? I’m actually talking about the next president of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA), the largest public nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by Huntington’s disease (HD) through research, education, and advocacy. Louise Vetter served…

I sat across from my wife, Jill, watching her organize her nail polish. When she paused, I could see the weight of her body language: She was slumped forward, which is unusual for her, as she usually projects positivity in everything she says and does. She was…

Our peaceful neighborhood was recently shaken by an unexpected tragedy. Our neighbors across the street, in the midst of renovating their roof, watched helplessly as a single spark from a power saw ignited a fire that caused extensive damage to their home. As I stood with my wife, Jill,…

As a caregiver to my wife, Jill, who is gene-positive for Huntington’s disease, I’ve learned that helping isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. Recently, as I watched her face scrunch up in frustration while she looked at her to-do list, I reminded her that she could…

It’s been a hot summer so far, which isn’t the greatest weather for my wife, Jill, to deal with. She is gene-positive for Huntington’s disease, which causes her to have difficulty regulating her body temperature. But recently, a rainstorm was followed by a soft, summer breeze…

As my 60th birthday approaches in August, my wife, Jill, and our daughter, Alexus, have decided that we must celebrate in a special way. Because our schedules are free in mid-July, we’ll be getting together soon instead of next month. However, instead of throwing a party, they have…

In our quiet moments together, my wife, Jill, often shares her deepest thoughts with me. Recently, one such conversation left a profound mark on my heart. Jill’s Huntington’s disease has shaped our lives and made every moment precious, but her perspective on the journey is a constant source…

As a father, I’ve had many moments when I was proud of my daughter, Alexus. I’m proud of her love of helping others; of her acceptance into one of the top schools in the world, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; of how deeply she loves to enjoy life.

A Pollyanna is someone who maintains an optimistic perspective, even in the face of difficult situations. As a cup-half-full kind of guy, I like being positive. However, it’s essential to find balance, especially when dealing with mental health or other significant issues. Toxic positivity can be naive…

Fifteen years of marriage have taught me that compromise and understanding remain at the heart of a strong relationship. These elements have become more important since Jill’s diagnosis of Huntington’s disease in 2018. As I reflect on our life since then, I realize how much we have grown individually…