The COVID pandemic put a lot of things on hold over the last two years. But thanks to the vaccine and boosters more and more people are feeling comfortable about getting out and about again. Case in point, the Orange County Marathon was held for the first time in two years on Sunday, May 1^st.

Because May is Huntington’s disease Awareness Month the University of California at Irvine HD-CARE group took the opportunity to use the marathon to raise awareness about the disease, raise some money, but also to celebrate each other and the work they do.

Huntington’s disease is a particularly nasty disease. It’s a rare, inherited condition that leads to the steady breakdown of nerve cells in the brain, affecting movement and thinking and can cause severe psychiatric issues including mania and bipolar disorder. Treatments are limited and there is no cure.

Frances Saldana, a great supporter of CIRM and an amazing advocate for HD, told us they wanted the event to “add friendship, hope, and fun in the lives of our scientists, patient advocates, and family members as we go together on our journey in search of a treatment and/or cure for Huntington’s disease. It was a really good day, and we had a lot of fun.” 

They created a short video to highlight just how much fun they had.

It’s a lovely reminder that even in the face of an horrendous disease like HD, people can find fellowship, fun and a sense of hope.

CIRM has invested almost $36 million in funds several projects targeting Huntington’s, and you can read about those here.