Tri-ing to find a cure for Huntington's Disease

Late last year I decided to sign up for an Iron distance triathlon (IM). For those unaware, an IM consists of a 2.4 mile open water swim, 112 mile bike ride, and a full marathon -26.2 miles, in that order. In under 16 hours. The event that I signed up for, The Vineman, takes place on July 28, 2012 in Sanoma County, California.

As I began doing my research on the Ironman and training for it, I relized that this event is so much bigger than I could have imagined. Having done two half IM last summer (1.2 mile swim/56 mile bike/13.1 mile run) my initial thought was that with some training (which I decidedly lacked last summer) it wouldn't be that unheard of to attempt the full distance.

But, as I read about the stories of others training for and competeing in the Ironman, I relized that this is a life changing undertaking for many. And has the potential to inspire everyone. I read stories of an 80 year old nun who is still competeing; a man with CF who recieved a double lung transplant and his wife who watched him cross the IM finish line and vowed that she would too; an overweight Texan who just four years ago was "a heart attack waiting to happen"; and many others. Each of these stories inspired me in different ways, but all of them lead me to the conclusion that I want what I am doing to be part of something bigger than just crossing the finish line. And in many ways, I may need a little extra inspiration and hope to get me through the long work-outs and two-a-days that are part of the training and to push through to the finish line on July 28th.

For me, the choice of charity was an easy one. My niece and nephew are at risk for Huntington’s Disease (HD), a long-term, fatal neurological disease with no cure. A few years ago my sister-in-law learned, out-of-the-blue, that her mother had HD -- and that she had the gene, as well, making her sure to develop HD. Also, her kids have a 50/50 chance of having inherited the gene from her. This news has motivated our whole family to support HD research, because most people with Huntington’s Disease lead normal lives until the disease gradually strikes, often in mid-life -- however, the stress of knowing they could become sick is heavy. Huge advances in HD research have begun to show how the faulty gene, and its toxic protein, kills brain cells. The Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA), is supporting research directed to groundbreaking treatments, such as gene therapy, to make this disease a memory.

It will take a lot of research, at a huge cost, but my niece and nephew have a chance at a normal life. Please help me support the HDSA!