Hope Walk for Huntington’s Disease

Amy Watkin recently became board president of the Northern Plains chapter of the HDSA, and she promptly organized the first Team Hope Walk in the region.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Many people took advantage of the lovely weather this weekend to get their steps in for a good cause.

Rheault Farms saw the first ever Team Hope Walk in the Fargo region.

The event was put on by the Northern Plains Chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America.

Huntington’s is a rare genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain.

It currently has no cure – which is why event organizers say it’s so important to inform the public and to raise as much money as possible.

“People diagnosed with HD need a neurologist, but they also need social workers and occupational therapists and things like that,” said Amy Watkin, board president of this chapter of the HDSA.

“It’s imperative that we not only do the research for the cure, but raise money for the support and the medical help that people and also their families will need.”

It’s estimated there were about 90 participants, and each paid a $30 entry fee.

On top of that, there was a silent auction – so organizers are happy about how much money they were able to raise.