HD in Color - a Column by Tanita Allen

Managing symptoms of Huntington’s as we transition into fall

The transition from summer into fall is beautiful, with cooler breezes, golden leaves, and cozy routines. But for someone living with Huntington’s disease, the change isn’t just about swapping flip-flops for sweaters. Seasonal shifts can bring real changes in how our bodies feel, how our moods flow, and how…

Finding the courage to make a fresh start in September

September has always signified a quiet shift for me. It’s evident in the crispness of the air, the softened light, and the way the days naturally fall into a steadier rhythm. Even though the calendar says the year is winding down, this month feels like a beginning. It’s not the…

Navigating the invisible days when I don’t look ‘sick enough’

There’s a unique kind of pain that doesn’t come from having Huntington’s disease, but rather having to convince people the disease exists. Living with Huntington’s as a Black woman has meant constantly being disbelieved, questioned, and scrutinized. It has meant being invisible in plain sight. My journey with Huntington’s…

Dating with a chronic and terminal illness taught me to value my worth

Dating is already hard enough in this world of ghosting, swiping, and shallow connections. Add a terminal illness like Huntington’s disease into the mix and it becomes a minefield of awkward conversations, emotions, and misunderstandings. In the decade that I’ve been living with Huntington’s disease, I’ve been ghosted,…

The power of telling the truth about your body

There is a quiet rebellion in telling the truth about your body, especially when the world would prefer you stay silent, polished, and palatable. When I was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease, I didn’t know how to talk about what was happening inside me. I had learned, like many of…