HD in Color - a Column by Tanita Allen

How I manage fatigue and sleep while living with Huntington’s

Fatigue and sleep disruptions have been some of the most challenging aspects for me while living with Huntington’s disease. They creep in slowly, often unnoticed at first, until they begin to shape the rhythm of my daily life. Managing them has required a combination of self-awareness, adaptability, and a…

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on my own terms

Every year, as March 17 approaches, the world turns a vibrant shade of green. People gather in pubs, clink glasses in celebration, and revel in the joy of St. Patrick’s Day. It’s a holiday known for its infectious energy, lively music, and, of course, flowing drinks. But for me, the…

How I embrace spring cleaning for the mind, body, and soul

As the snow melts and the first flowers bloom, I welcome spring as a season of renewal. For me, spring cleaning isn’t just about scrubbing floors and reorganizing closets; it’s about decluttering my mind, refreshing my body, and realigning my spirit. Living with Huntington’s disease means that every season…

A milestone birthday has me reflecting on life with gratitude

Tomorrow, Feb. 28, I’ll celebrate a milestone that once seemed impossible: my 50th birthday. This date is deeply meaningful and significant for me. Just a day away from a leap day, it has always been a reminder to me of life’s unpredictability. But there’s another, even deeper correlation: Feb. 28…

This Valentine’s Day, love won in the most unexpected way

Valentine’s Day is often associated with love, chocolates, and grand romantic gestures. But for me, this year, it became something much more profound — an unforgettable day of relief, gratitude, and the reaffirmation of hope. It was the day my nephew DeMarco Duhaney learned he was free from Huntington’s…

Remembering Roy Nierenberg, a pillar of the HD community

The Huntington’s disease (HD) community is a family bound together by shared experiences, mutual understanding, and unbreakable ties of support. Within this family, certain individuals shine in ways that leave an indelible mark on our hearts. My dear friend Roy Nierenberg was one of those bright lights — an…

Dealing with anger while living with Huntington’s disease

Anger is a powerful emotion that many people living with Huntington’s disease face regularly. This neurodegenerative disease causes changes in the brain, often leading to mood swings, irritability, and, for some, aggressive behavior. These emotional shifts aren’t a reflection of our character, but a byproduct of how the disease…

5 grounding techniques for finding calm in life with Huntington’s

In a world buzzing with notifications, tight schedules, and endless to-do lists, finding a sense of calm might feel like a distant dream. Being symptomatic with Huntington’s disease is especially challenging when I’m trying to balance my life. Despite having Huntington’s, I’ve adopted the following techniques to help center…

5 questions I always ask doctors about managing Huntington’s

Healthcare for those with Huntington’s disease comes with complexities that often require a collaborative approach. Over the years, I’ve learned the value of being proactive on this journey by asking key questions to ensure that my providers and I are aligned. These questions not only help me understand my…