HD in Color - a Column by Tanita Allen

Navigating the high costs that come with Huntington’s disease

Life with Huntington’s disease is filled with challenges — some visible, some hidden. While the physical and emotional toll often takes center stage, there’s another weight that many in our community carry quietly: the financial burden. From navigating complex insurance policies to managing rising out-of-pocket expenses, the cost of…

Finding joy and purpose while living with Huntington’s

Some days, living with Huntington’s disease feels like trying to catch a butterfly in a storm. The winds of chorea, fatigue, mood swings, and forgetfulness push against the delicate wings of joy. Yet through it all, I’ve learned to reach for joy anyway. To find purpose in the present…

Bringing my Huntington’s advocacy to Brown University students

When I received the invitation from Brown University’s School of Public Health to discuss my memoir, “We Exist,” I felt deeply honored. As an advocate for Huntington’s disease (HD) awareness, particularly from the perspective of a marginalized community, I knew this was an invaluable opportunity to engage with…

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…