Registration is FREE and takes place Saturday, June 20

San Jose, California (May 26, 2020) – The San Francisco Bay Area Affiliate of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) will host the San Jose Virtual Team Hope 5K Walk/10K Run on Saturday, June 20. Registration will be free. Individuals that raise more than $100 will receive a free HDSA Team Hope Walk Shirt as well as a raffle entry for great prizes. 

A virtual walk is a real walk, but on your terms: You get to choose your own course, you can walk in your driveway, neighborhood, in your house and even on treadmill. All proceeds support HDSA’s mission to improve the lives of people affected by HD and their families. 

Team Hope is HDSA’s largest national grassroots fundraising event, which takes place in over 100 cities across the U.S. and has raised more than $14 million for HD since its inception in 2007. Thousands of families, friends, co-workers, neighbors and communities walk together each year to support HDSA’s mission to improve the lives of people affected by HD and their families.  

"This is a great opportunity for walkers and runners across the Bay Area to safely participate from the comfort of their home, neighborhood or favorite trail,” said Fran Marin, Event Coordinator. “This free event not only allows individuals to join the fight against Huntington's disease, but also helps improve the lives of those affected by the disease.” 

For more information about the event, please contact Fran Marin (650-492-3979, hdsasfbayrea@gmail.com) Online registration and donation can be found at hdsa.org/thwsanjose  

HDSA's Team Hope Walk Program is nationally sponsored by Genentech and Teva Pharmaceuticals.  

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Huntington’s disease is a fatal genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain.  It deteriorates a person’s physical and mental abilities usually during their prime working years and has no cure. 

Every child of a parent with HD has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene that causes Huntington’s disease. Today, there are approximately 41,000 symptomatic Americans and 200,000 at-risk of inheriting the disease. In less than 10% of cases, juvenile Huntington’s disease (JHD) affects children & adolescents. JHD usually has a more rapid progression rate than adult onset HD; the earlier the onset, the faster JHD progresses. HD is described as having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases – simultaneously. HD is characterized by a triad of symptoms, including progressive motor dysfunction, behavioral disturbance and cognitive decline. 

To learn more about Huntington’s disease and the work of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, visit www.HDSA.org or call (800) 345-HDSA. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Matthew Santamaria

Communications Coordinator 

(212) 242-1968 ext. 204 

msantamaria@hdsa.org