Hiking for Huntington's Disease
Donation protected
Dear friends,
In just a few short weeks, August 1st, I will join Jason Evans on his solo hike-through of the Continental Divide Trail. Jason has hiked more than 1500 miles already raising awareness for Huntington’s Disease (HD). Winding through the deserts of southern New Mexico, the Rocky Mountains, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, and more. I will join Jason in Dubois, WY early August. We share a passion and special gene that brought us together. This epic trek is to raise funds and awareness for HD. I would like to ask you to join and support me in this journey to ensure my generation is the last to succumb to HD.
WHAT IS HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE?
HD is a fatal genetic disorder that causes a progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It deteriorates a person’s physical, and mental abilities during their prime years. HD symptoms are described as having ALS, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s simultaneously. There is NO CURE – YET.
MY FIGHT!
My fight began long before I had even considered the idea of having the inherited gene myself. I returned to Indiana after serving in the United States Marine Corps in 2000. It was then I learned of HD. My dad’s oldest sister(Doris) had been diagnosed and his only other sister (Judy) shortly after. I spent many summers at my Aunt Dori’s lake cottage as a young teenager. We both shared a passion for art. I would help her with her paintings and other projects. After hearing of her HD my thoughts went back to all the time we spent together and trying to put together the pieces. I remember thinking what would I do if that were me? Both of my Aunts battled for more than 15 years and both passed within weeks of each other in 2012. Knowing successive generations have a 50/50 chance of inheriting the mutated gene I elected to be tested. My father having not been tested I knew what this would mean. As a carrier I know my three boys, Taylor 15, Timmy 11, and Andrew 7 are all at risk.
Now 41, I have learned to love the word “perspective”. Mine changes without a question and sometimes without me even being aware. I know our “perspective” may not be the same, however I’m certain we would all share the same HOPE! HOPE for a cure…
MY GOAL:
My goal is to raise awareness and funds. I am joining Jason Evans (HD carrier, and Advocate) on the trail August 1st 2016. Wish the help of local family and friends I have secured the funds to get me there, but still need your help. The cost on the trail is approximately $1000 per month. I plan to spend 6 weeks on the trail and have purchased all my equipment through the generosity of friends and family. Please help support my effort to bring awareness to this devastating disease and ensure my children and their children’s futures.
Josh Wakeland
In just a few short weeks, August 1st, I will join Jason Evans on his solo hike-through of the Continental Divide Trail. Jason has hiked more than 1500 miles already raising awareness for Huntington’s Disease (HD). Winding through the deserts of southern New Mexico, the Rocky Mountains, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, and more. I will join Jason in Dubois, WY early August. We share a passion and special gene that brought us together. This epic trek is to raise funds and awareness for HD. I would like to ask you to join and support me in this journey to ensure my generation is the last to succumb to HD.
WHAT IS HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE?
HD is a fatal genetic disorder that causes a progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It deteriorates a person’s physical, and mental abilities during their prime years. HD symptoms are described as having ALS, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s simultaneously. There is NO CURE – YET.
MY FIGHT!
My fight began long before I had even considered the idea of having the inherited gene myself. I returned to Indiana after serving in the United States Marine Corps in 2000. It was then I learned of HD. My dad’s oldest sister(Doris) had been diagnosed and his only other sister (Judy) shortly after. I spent many summers at my Aunt Dori’s lake cottage as a young teenager. We both shared a passion for art. I would help her with her paintings and other projects. After hearing of her HD my thoughts went back to all the time we spent together and trying to put together the pieces. I remember thinking what would I do if that were me? Both of my Aunts battled for more than 15 years and both passed within weeks of each other in 2012. Knowing successive generations have a 50/50 chance of inheriting the mutated gene I elected to be tested. My father having not been tested I knew what this would mean. As a carrier I know my three boys, Taylor 15, Timmy 11, and Andrew 7 are all at risk.
Now 41, I have learned to love the word “perspective”. Mine changes without a question and sometimes without me even being aware. I know our “perspective” may not be the same, however I’m certain we would all share the same HOPE! HOPE for a cure…
MY GOAL:
My goal is to raise awareness and funds. I am joining Jason Evans (HD carrier, and Advocate) on the trail August 1st 2016. Wish the help of local family and friends I have secured the funds to get me there, but still need your help. The cost on the trail is approximately $1000 per month. I plan to spend 6 weeks on the trail and have purchased all my equipment through the generosity of friends and family. Please help support my effort to bring awareness to this devastating disease and ensure my children and their children’s futures.
Josh Wakeland
Organizer
Joshua Jay
Organizer
Plymouth, IN
