May Awareness a success

May Awareness has been hailed a great success after a series of well-supported events and activities were held across the month.

Each year Huntington’s Victoria joins with our international partner organisations to dedicate May to raising awareness about HD and the vital work being done to support people with the disease.

Huntington’s Victoria CEO Tammy Gardner thanked all those who had gotten involved in May Awareness this year.

“It is heartening to see so many community members getting out raising awareness and supporting each other,” she said.

“We know that the more people who understand the disease the more they can accept and support people who are affected by it.

“We have done more this year than we have in previous years and the month has been a great success.”

Light it Up 4HD

The #LightitUp4HD initiative is a central part of the month and involves iconic buildings in Melbourne and regional Victoria lighting up in blue to raise awareness about HD.

This year there were more buildings and landmarks than ever lit up including The Melbourne Cricket Ground, Royal Exhibition Building, AAMI Park Stadium, Bolte Bridge, Flinders Street Station, the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel and the City Link Sound Tube.

In regional Victoria, the Ballarat Town Hall clock was lit up in blue along with a major road intersection in Geelong.

HV community members were involved in activities outside the MCG, the Royal Exhibition Building, Flinders Street Station and Ballarat Town Hall.

#LightitUp4HD is a global initiative and other countries participating this year including Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Norway, Spain and Wales.

In Australia, Tasmania participated for the first time with buildings lit up including the Launceston Town Hall and the Grand Chancellor Hotel in Launceston.

Community Day

Our annual Community Day was held on May 18 in Melbourne and there was a great line up of speakers covering topics including the NDIS, relationships and HD, local research and upcoming clinical trials.

Researchers, medical professionals and community members spoke during what was a fun and informative event.

Go Blue on May 22

Introduced for the first time this year, Go Blue on May 22 was a day where people were encouraged to wear blue to raise awareness about HD and show their support for people living with the disease.

There was a great response from the community with people dressing in blue clothing, wigs and even donning blue lipstick.