Dating can be a complex and emotional experience under normal circumstances, but for someone living with Huntington’s disease (HD), the journey to find companionship presents unique challenges. One of the most painful aspects of dating with HD is the rejection I’ve encountered when disclosing my diagnosis. At…
For years, my wife, Jill, had asked me to watch a TV show she thought I’d love. I spent all of that time saying no, but this year, I finally broke down and watched “The Sopranos.” As it played, I found myself reflecting on something profound: Grieving doesn’t get…
Traveling can lead to excitement and adventure, but for those of us with Huntington’s disease (HD), it can also pose significant challenges. Whether it’s navigating an unfamiliar airport or managing chorea (involuntary movement) or fatigue, the experience can feel overwhelming. I’ve found that traveling with Huntington’s requires…
My wife, Jill, and I often find ourselves in airports with free time while visiting family across the country. To escape the chaos in waiting areas, we often watch TV shows on my iPad. Recently, we finished HBO’s “Succession,” a drama about a global media…
One of the most challenging aspects of living with Huntington’s disease (HD) is coming to terms with the progressive nature of the condition and the inevitable changes it brings. For those of us who are symptomatic, that involves not only adapting to physical and cognitive changes, but…
As someone whose wife and daughter are gene-positive for Huntington’s disease (HD), I’m always interested in any new studies and advancements in treatment. So when a friend recently called to let me know that the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) is hosting a meeting in November…
My name is Tanita Allen, and in 2012, I received life-changing news: I was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease (HD), a rare, neurodegenerative condition. Huntington’s is rare enough as it is, but the belief that it doesn’t affect people of African descent made getting a proper diagnosis even…
Halloween is coming next month. It’s my wife Jill’s favorite holiday, mainly because she likes scary experiences. Her excitement is like a child’s when she enters a haunted house or steps onto a roller coaster. There’s something about the rush — that heart-pounding excitement — that makes her fearless…
When I answered a Facebook post in a Huntington’s disease (HD) community support group, little did I know what kind of a journey it would take me on. Fellow colleague and columnist B.J. Viau was looking for someone who might be interested in writing a column for…
My wife, Jill, sometimes daydreams about items we could sell on Etsy, an online store for handmade or vintage products. One idea is a T-shirt that says: “I’m not drunk. I have Huntington’s disease.” Jill is gene-positive for the disease, as was her father and multiple people…
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