Westchester Mom organizes Walkathon to help conquer Huntington's disease

The first Annual Jackie's Walk 4 HD  -- a fundraising and education event honoring the life and legacy of beautiful Jackie Hamilton who lost a courageous battle with Huntington's disease (HD) -- will take place on Sunday, May 1, 2016 at Glen Island Park, New Rochelle from 10am - 1 pm.

Hosted by Help 4 HD International and organized by Jackie's daughter, Gabrielle Hamilton, a resident of Mamaroneck, the walk will not only commemorate Jackie's life, but will benefit local Huntington's disease patients and families by funding HD research and treatments, providing care and support, and funding HD advocacy efforts. Monies raised will be donated directly to these renowned organizations: Columbia University Medical Center's HD Center of Excellence, Northwell Health: The Movement Disorders Center (formerly North Shore/LIJ) and Help 4 HD International.

Huntington's disease is a rare, fatal genetic brain disorder, passed down from one generation to another, that deteriorates a person's physical and mental abilities. There is NO cure. Every child of a parent with HD has a 50/50 chance of carrying the faulty gene. And those who inherit it will eventually develop this debilitating disease that many liken to having ALS, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, simultaneously. Today, there are approximately 30,000 symptomatic Americans and more than 200,000 at-risk of inheriting the disease.

According to Melissa Biliardi, Founder and COO of Help 4HD International, "Events such as Jackie's Walk 4 HD are vital to bringing awareness about Huntington's disease to our local communities. These events impart hope for today and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow. We are so honored to host Jackie's Walk 4 HD and pleased to be at Glen Island Park on May 1."

"I'm very excited about the local community support we've received for Jackie's Walk 4 HD. It will take a village to conquer HD...and the community participation has been amazing", says Gabrielle Hamilton, Jackie's Walk 4 HD event organizer and HD advocate. "I'm particularly grateful to the administrators, faculty and students of my son's school, Rye Neck High School. They are rallying behind Teddy by learning about Huntington's disease, raising money, volunteering, and participating in the walk." Also, many businesses in New Rochelle, Mamaroneck and the surrounding areas have generously donated  money, gift cards and raffle prizes as well as essential food, supplies and services for the walk.

Jackie's Walk 4 HD will be a fun-filled and rewarding day for the whole family. Event highlights include:

• Tribute to the life of Jackie Hamilton with musical accompaniment by trumpeter Richard Fields
• Remarks from HD experts Dr. Andrew Feigin, MD, Director of the Huntington's Disease Center at North Shore University Hospital and Deborah Thorne, LCSW, Social Worker and Clinic Coordinator at Columbia University Medical Center's HD Center of Excellence
• Entertainment including songs sung by the Rye Neck High School Acapella group
• Short walk around Glen Island Park (walk at your own pace; several distance options from .2 to 1.5 miles)
• Raffle Extravaganza including terrific prizes from many local Westchester businesses including Roc -n- Ramen, RAF Fitness, Bach 2 Rock, Piacenza Ristorante and Pizzeria and many more!
  

Jackie's Walk 4 HD

Date: May 1, 2016

Time: 10am -1 pm

Location: Glen Island Park, Weyman Avenue, New Rochelle at Pavilion #1 located near the far end of the parking lot, opposite the Park Office

How to get involved:

• Register to walk
• Donate
• Come out and join your community ...learn about HD, cheer on the walkers, donate to win terrific raffle prizes and more!
  

About Help 4 HD International -- Jackie's Walk 4 HD Host Organization

About Gabrielle Hamilton, LCSW-R -- Jackie's Walk 4 HD event organizer, herapist, speaker and Huntington's disease Activist