Embracing my community: my first HDSA convention
As May rolls around, it brings with it Huntington's disease awareness month, a time when I typically flood social media with awareness posts. But this year, I wanted to share something special with you because it's also the month of the annual Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) convention. For me, one of the most crucial aspects of my journey with HD is the incredible community I've found along the way. I vividly recall the time when I was diagnosed as gene positive at 18 years old and how getting plugged into the HDSA changed everything for me. It was there that I met some of my closest HD brothers and sisters, including my dear friend Bryan Medrano. Bryan and I quickly bonded and became inseparable. We joined forces to help out at events and fundraisers, and I found solace and support within the welcoming embrace of the Northern California chapter. I also found the Johnson family (or maybe they found me), who took me under their wing with boundless love and ...