Huntington’s disease is a rare disease that affects the whole person – mentally and physically. It is genetic which means if one of your parents carries the gene, you have 50:50 odds of inheriting it. That’s a one in two chance.
Get sponsored to wear your odd socks on Odds And Socks Day and help us spread the word about the odds of inheriting the disease.
It’s easy to sign up and the first 150 people to register will receive a free pair of odd socks from Huntington’s Disease Association!
Around 8,000 people in the UK are living with Huntington’s disease, it affects your nervous system which co-ordinates your body’s activities, your cognitive ability and behaviour. It is caused by a faulty gene in your DNA and sadly there is no cure.
Many people with Huntington’s develop symptoms between the ages of 30 and 50 – the approximate time from first symptoms to passing away is usually 20 years. In rare cases children and young people can also develop symptoms; this is known as Juvenile Huntington’s disease.
Watch the video for an insight into Huntington’s disease:
Huntington’s is a disease of families – people with the disease and their families can feel helpless, isolated and unsure of how they can get help.
It is a fact that you have 50:50 odds of inheriting Huntington’s disease if one of your parents carries the gene but not everyone at risk chooses to get tested for many reasons.
Meet Megan:
“I wouldn't want to put anyone through what I've experienced – it's just horrible. My dad has declined over the last 12 years, he now can't walk, his speech is very limited, he's not really aware of what's going on around him and he can get distressed – it's really upsetting. The genetic aspect of the disease is very scary because the odds of inheriting it are 50:50 – it's literally the flip of a coin. I recently made the decision to get tested. If I have the gene, I know I need to prioritise my health and do the things I want to do now. The work that the Huntington’s Disease Association do is so important, they help individuals and families impacted by a disease which can be very isolating and scary.”
Wear and share photos of your odd socks on Odds And Socks Day and try to reach a minimum fundraising target of £50.
Every penny raised will help fund invaluable services for people living with Huntington’s disease and their families, people at risk of inheriting Huntington’s and training for professionals. Did you know that:
• £27.85 helps pay for one hour of telephone support from our helpline
• £11.98 will help to pay for 5 booklets for children to learn more about Huntington’s disease
• £67.69 will provide care and support for families and individuals through our webinar series
Whether you are getting involved at work, school or with family and friends, make sure you are wearing odd socks on this year’s Odds And Socks Day – 29 February 2024.
#OddsAndSocksDay #WhatAreTheOdds
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