According to a story from the Chicago Tribune, Maine South High School, located in the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge, Illinois, raised over $60,000 for Huntington’s disease research. The school fundraiser also received assistance from community members and local businesses. The success of the fundraising campaign was revealed recently at the school’s spring assembly. Students wore bright blue shirts that read “Hawks Fight Huntington’s” as a part of the campaign in order to spread awareness about Huntington’s disease.
Huntington’s disease is a genetically inherited disorder the causes the death of neurons in the brain. Patients generally survive 15 to 20 years after receiving their diagnosis. The early symptoms of Huntington’s disease are subtle, and include personality and mood changes as well as problems with cognition and a decline in physical coordination. Unusual, uncontrolled movements called chorea are a diagnostic symptom. As the disease progresses, patients may display abnormal posturing, loss of coordination, unusual facial expressions, and loss of the ability to speak, chew, and swallow. Eventually, the patient reaches a state similar to dementia. Pneumonia is a common cause of death. Symptoms often first appear in the 30s or 40s. There is no cure, although some treatments can help reduce the severity of symptoms. To learn more about Huntington’s disease, click here.
The cash will go towards the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, and the amount was a new record for Maine South. The inspiration for this year’s fundraiser was the family of Maggie Etchingham, a senior at the high school, whose father Joe was diagnosed with the disease four years ago. Joe also graduated from Maine South High School in 1985. Maggie says that the campaign has been “absolutely amazing” for her and her family.
