Columns

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…

My wife, Jill, has always been the embodiment of resilience. She’s the type of person who can power through even the most daunting circumstances. I loved this quality when we met because it was a testament to her strength of character. She especially relies on her toughness as she…

My wife, Jill, loves the thrill of roller coasters. The higher, faster, and twistier the ride, the better. Most people scream, but Jill never feels calmer than when she’s on a coaster. She’s one of those rare people who can focus better and handle stress more effectively when an…

My wife, Jill, has always been a force of nature when it comes to home projects. From assembling furniture to organizing or fixing appliances, Jill has been unstoppable. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve gone to bed with an unopened box in the living room, only to…

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…