What we are grateful for this year

After my wife, Jill, was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease (HD) in 2018, we gained a new level of appreciation for people affected by terrible storms and other natural disasters. The rare disease she inherited made us realize, in deeper ways, that what she’s experiencing as her neurodegenerative illness progresses parallels the levels of devastation in any life-altering storm.

She and I are intimately familiar with storms. When we met, she lived in Sarasota, Florida, and I lived in the nearby Tampa area. Both cities have been in the news recently after being hit by major hurricanes. Our hearts ache for all of those affected by natural disasters, as we understand firsthand the profound impact these events can have on communities and individual lives.

We’ve both lived through various natural catastrophes that have rocked our communities: flooding, hurricanes, and tornadoes when we lived in Florida; blizzards when we lived in the Midwest; and a fire that consumed a nearby home. The damage we’ve witnessed has been immense, both in its physical destruction and its lasting impact on people’s lives.

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Yet something remarkable happens when we reminisce about these events: Our strongest memories aren’t of the destruction itself, but of what came after. We remember our neighbors and the countless strangers who emerged once the storms cleared, ready to help anyone who’d suffered, asking nothing in return but the chance to make a difference.

While Thanksgiving is traditionally a time to be grateful for what we have, this year we’d like to redirect our gratitude toward those who support others — with or without a disaster prompting their actions.

This year, Jill and I want to express our deepest thanks to:

• The people who come together to help fellow human beings, simply because they can.
• The mental health professionals who help people heal from trauma.
• Those who, despite losing everything themselves, still take time to help a neighbor find their frightened, runaway dog after a tornado.
• The tireless souls who, after shoveling their driveway, spend another several hours helping their elderly neighbors who don’t have the energy to clear their own.
• The generous spirits who donate money, time, and resources to feed and clothe people who’ve lost everything.
• The dedicated utility workers who brave dangerous conditions to restore power to millions.
• The emergency responders and volunteers who assist with evacuations before and after disasters.
• In the case of our Huntington’s disease community, all the researchers and medical professionals who work tirelessly to understand and treat HD.
• The caregivers who help their friends and loved ones cope with HD.
• The staff of our parent company, Bionews, who make sure the rare disease community has a safe place to read about advancements in their community, as well as columns from those who’ve walked in their shoes and can help bring light during dark times.

As Jill’s condition progresses, we’ve learned that many kinds of storms occur through life. Some rage outside our windows with wind and rain, while others wage their battles within our own bodies. But what remains constant is the incredible capacity of human beings to support one another through these challenges.

This Thanksgiving, we celebrate not just the helping hands that emerge after natural disasters, but all those who make it their mission to support others through whatever storms they face. In doing so, they remind us that even in our darkest moments, we are never truly alone — and for that, we are profoundly grateful.

Note: Huntington’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Huntington’s Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Huntington’s disease.