Whale Watching Gives Hope to Families Affected by Huntington’s Disease
Turning tragedy into hope, one family has chosen a unique way to raise awareness and funds for a cure for Huntington’s Disease. On October 17, 2015, the Dickens family and the Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s Los Angeles Chapter are holding a Whale Watch ocean adventure, to help put an end to Huntington’s Disease and celebrate the lives of those it has taken.
Los Angeles, CA, October 06, 2015 --(PR.com)-- Good health is something most people take for granted. Until something happens. In one family, that "something" was Huntington's Disease.
After a 17-year fight, Merril Dickens lost her life to Huntington’s Disease, and broke a lot of hearts. Unfortunately, her story is not unique. More than 200,000 people in the United States are at risk for or diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease, yet most people have never heard of it. Imagine Parkinson’s Disease, ALS and Alzheimer’s – all rolled into one. That’s Huntington’s Disease (HD). It gets worse. Because it’s a hereditary brain disorder, the siblings and children of each person diagnosed have a 50/50 chance of developing the disease, too.
“No one should have to go through the misery that Merril and thousands of others like her have gone through,” said her husband, Jon Dickens. “I decided I couldn’t stand on the sidelines any longer and just hope that a cure would be found. So, to honor Merril and her courageous battle, our family decided to do something. Something fun that people would enjoy while raising awareness of Huntington’s Disease and funds to help end it,” said Dickens.
In conjunction with the Huntington Disease Society of America (HDSA) Los Angeles Chapter, they’ve chartered a boat to go whale watching, an uplifting and life affirming experience.
On Saturday, October 17, from 9:30am-1pm, they are offering what many consider a “bucket list” adventure – an eco-tour and ocean voyage aboard a 65’ whale watch boat from Marina Del Rey, CA. Trained docents from the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium will be aboard to share background on the area’s whales, dolphins, sea lions and other sea life in the deep blue waters of Santa Monica Bay.
“Will the money raised from this whale watching trip result in a cure for Huntington’s Disease? Maybe not,” says Dickens. “But following recent research breakthroughs, a cure is within sight. The funds donated can make a whale of a difference. And just being on the ocean will lift your spirits, whether Huntington’s Disease is in your family or not, and give hope to those that need it most. We have to keep that hope alive.”
Tickets are available on HDSA L.A.’s website Whale Watch Page http://greaterla.hdsa.org/. $40 for adults, and $20 for kids under 12. About 40 seats are remaining.
Along with the whale watch trip, we’re holding a raffle with a grand prize 3-night Las Vegas stay in a 2-bedroom penthouse,” said Dickens. “We’ve been fortunate to have support from local and national merchants who have donated prizes that include fine wine, gift cards for entertainment, restaurants, spas, salons, and more.” Drawings will take place on the whale watch boat, but winners do not need to be present. “We’re hopeful that people who can’t make the trip will purchase raffle tickets at www.greaterla.hdsa.org.”
The whale watch fundraiser will culminate with an exclusive online auction the week of the trip, where bids can be placed for deluxe vacation stays in Hawaii, Squaw Valley, Lost Pines, TX, or a cruise to the Bahamas, plus fine jewelry, L.A. Kings hockey tickets, a personal chef, artwork, wine adventures, and more. All tax-deductible proceeds support HDSA’s fight to find a cure and improve the lives of those with Huntington’s Disease and their families.
For more information go to Facebook www.facebook.com/HDSAwhalewatchFundraiser
or email Jon Dickens at Jon.HDSA@gmail.com.
After a 17-year fight, Merril Dickens lost her life to Huntington’s Disease, and broke a lot of hearts. Unfortunately, her story is not unique. More than 200,000 people in the United States are at risk for or diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease, yet most people have never heard of it. Imagine Parkinson’s Disease, ALS and Alzheimer’s – all rolled into one. That’s Huntington’s Disease (HD). It gets worse. Because it’s a hereditary brain disorder, the siblings and children of each person diagnosed have a 50/50 chance of developing the disease, too.
“No one should have to go through the misery that Merril and thousands of others like her have gone through,” said her husband, Jon Dickens. “I decided I couldn’t stand on the sidelines any longer and just hope that a cure would be found. So, to honor Merril and her courageous battle, our family decided to do something. Something fun that people would enjoy while raising awareness of Huntington’s Disease and funds to help end it,” said Dickens.
In conjunction with the Huntington Disease Society of America (HDSA) Los Angeles Chapter, they’ve chartered a boat to go whale watching, an uplifting and life affirming experience.
On Saturday, October 17, from 9:30am-1pm, they are offering what many consider a “bucket list” adventure – an eco-tour and ocean voyage aboard a 65’ whale watch boat from Marina Del Rey, CA. Trained docents from the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium will be aboard to share background on the area’s whales, dolphins, sea lions and other sea life in the deep blue waters of Santa Monica Bay.
“Will the money raised from this whale watching trip result in a cure for Huntington’s Disease? Maybe not,” says Dickens. “But following recent research breakthroughs, a cure is within sight. The funds donated can make a whale of a difference. And just being on the ocean will lift your spirits, whether Huntington’s Disease is in your family or not, and give hope to those that need it most. We have to keep that hope alive.”
Tickets are available on HDSA L.A.’s website Whale Watch Page http://greaterla.hdsa.org/. $40 for adults, and $20 for kids under 12. About 40 seats are remaining.
Along with the whale watch trip, we’re holding a raffle with a grand prize 3-night Las Vegas stay in a 2-bedroom penthouse,” said Dickens. “We’ve been fortunate to have support from local and national merchants who have donated prizes that include fine wine, gift cards for entertainment, restaurants, spas, salons, and more.” Drawings will take place on the whale watch boat, but winners do not need to be present. “We’re hopeful that people who can’t make the trip will purchase raffle tickets at www.greaterla.hdsa.org.”
The whale watch fundraiser will culminate with an exclusive online auction the week of the trip, where bids can be placed for deluxe vacation stays in Hawaii, Squaw Valley, Lost Pines, TX, or a cruise to the Bahamas, plus fine jewelry, L.A. Kings hockey tickets, a personal chef, artwork, wine adventures, and more. All tax-deductible proceeds support HDSA’s fight to find a cure and improve the lives of those with Huntington’s Disease and their families.
For more information go to Facebook www.facebook.com/HDSAwhalewatchFundraiser
or email Jon Dickens at Jon.HDSA@gmail.com.
Contact
HDSA L.A.
Jon Dickens
310-902-3675
greaterla.hdsa.org/
Jon Dickens
310-902-3675
greaterla.hdsa.org/
Contact
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