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Hi there. My name is Julieann and nearly 3 Years ago I was made aware of an illness called Huntingtons Disease. When the doctor phoned and asked me to come up and see him to discuss my father's health, I automatically assumed Cancer. WHY? because I couldn't think of anything worse at the time. When the Doctor sat me down and told me my Father has Huntingtons Disease I was as uneducated about it as probably many of you are. He gave me information of the internet to read at home. Huntingtons Disease is an inherited condition that damages certain nerve cells in the brain. The brain damage gets progressively worse over time and can affect movement, cognition (perception, thinking, awareness, judgement) and behaviour. There is no cure for Huntingtons Disease and it's progress can't be reversed or slowed down. I admittedly am a daddy's girl and finding this out was the most heart breaking news I have ever heard. In reality my daddy is 66, he is still able to communicate with us and continually tells us all that he loves us. Unfortunately this will change with time and he may no longer be able to do this. His food range is very limited now and he has to have everything mashed down. He can't be left alone or go out alone as his mind and balance have both been affected. As I have mentioned, there is NO CURE for this disease. However Huntingtons Disease Association Northern Ireland do an amazing job at offering Support Groups, Annual Conferences, Family Breaks, Counselling and whatever other help they can. Unfortunately this charity does not get a lot of funding due to the lack of awareness of the disease. The majority of it's finances comes from fundraising. This is why I have decided to be a part of the sponsored run, walk or cycle taking place on Sunday 5th March, 9am - 1pm, 87 Cushendall Road, Ballycastle, BT54 6QY. More details on the HDANI website or email me on julieannspence@hotmail.co.uk.
