February 2013 - Huntington's Disease Society of America
February 2013 - Huntington's Disease Society of America
February 2013 - Huntington's Disease Society of America
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B R I D G E S O F H O P E<br />
V O L U M E 1 I S S U E 3 7<br />
<strong>February</strong> <strong>2013</strong><br />
W O R D S O F H O P E :<br />
“ W H E N Y O U A R E F A C E T O F A C E W I T H A D I F F I C U L T Y ,<br />
Y O U A R E U P A G A I N S T A D I S C O V E R Y ”<br />
L O R D K E L V I N<br />
P R E S I D E N T ’ S L E T T E R . . .<br />
Page 1: President’s Letter<br />
Page 2: Research<br />
Page 3: Enroll-HD Study<br />
Page 4: Spotlight on a<br />
Cure<br />
Page 5: Walk for HD<br />
Page 6: Hoops for HD<br />
Page 7: Enduro Race<br />
Fundraiser, Kathleen<br />
Samulski Advocacy, Chapter<br />
Board , Going Green.<br />
Page 8: Terleconference<br />
Support Group , Going<br />
Green<br />
Page 9: Wheelchair &<br />
Papergator<br />
Page 10: Caregivers Corner<br />
, Living Positively,<br />
Stem Cell Research Funding<br />
Page 11: Stem Cell Research<br />
Funding<br />
Page 12: In Loving Memory<br />
Page 13: Fundraising<br />
Page 14, 15: Support<br />
Group Meetings, SS<br />
Disability<br />
HDSA Michigan Chapter P.O. Box 21037, Lansing MI 48909. The Help line Number<br />
is 1-800-909-0073, the Chapter’s business number is 989-832-4170, and the<br />
fax number is 517-827-4950, E-Mail: hdsami@att.net, and the web site address<br />
is www.hdsa.org/mi Please note Mailing address and Fax Number are New.<br />
At the end <strong>of</strong> March we will be closing our physical <strong>of</strong>fice in Midland and we will be<br />
converting to home based <strong>of</strong>fices. Our Bookkeeper and Office Manager will be Katie Sullivan<br />
in Lansing. She will also be responsible for sending out new family packets, other<br />
educational material, and thank you’s. We will have a storage facility in Midland to store<br />
donated equipment and other items we need to save. Our Helpline number and email address<br />
will remain the same. We will have a new mailing address and fax number. We will<br />
also be contracting with a new Family Services Coordinator/Social Worker in the next couple<br />
months as Danny Berry is no longer with us.<br />
On March 9th Krissi Putansu from the Royal Oak Support Group and friends will<br />
put on another wonderful Spotlight on a Cure Talent Show Fundraiser for HD that not only<br />
raises funds for HD but also proves to be many hours <strong>of</strong> excellent entertainment, and<br />
some delicious food sponsored by Lundbeck, Inc. There will be non stop fun throughout<br />
the entire evening.<br />
On May 18th there will be a Team Hope Walk in Grand Rapids, sponsored by the<br />
Michigan Chapter coordinated by Chelsea Boers, and a Hoop-a-thon put on by the Hathaway<br />
family and Friends in Grosse Point Park sponsored by the HDSA Great Lakes Region.<br />
The National HDSA Meeting will be held in Jacksonville, FL, June 21-23, <strong>2013</strong>.<br />
Our New Chapter Social Worker and a board member will attended the meeting along with<br />
many others from the Michigan Chapter. See the National HDSA web site www.hdsa.org<br />
for further details . For families that have not attended before some scholarships are being<br />
provided by Lundbeck, Inc. to help new families attend. See the National HDSA web<br />
site www.hdsa.org for application. The sooner these are applied for the greater the<br />
chance <strong>of</strong> receiving one. A limited number <strong>of</strong> Scholarships may be available form the<br />
Michigan Chapter for prior attendees.<br />
On August 4-9 we will have our Circle <strong>of</strong> Friends Camp at Camp Fish Tales in Pinconning<br />
MI, Please call our chapter helpline 1-800-909-0073 or email hdsami@att.net<br />
for further details or to have an application mailed in early summer. The camp is intended<br />
for persons in the mid-stages <strong>of</strong> HD who are still ambulatory.<br />
The Michigan Chapter State conference is being planned and will be held in the<br />
Lansing area this year, in the October/November time frame.<br />
... Dave Stickles
“Bridges <strong>of</strong> Hope” HDSA Michigan Chapter -2-<br />
Prana Biotechnology publishes positive results for PBT2 in animal models <strong>of</strong> HD<br />
By: George Yohrling, PhD, Director <strong>of</strong> Scientific and Medical Affairs at HDSA<br />
Researchers from Prana Biotechnology and UCSF have recently published data on the small molecule,<br />
PBT2, in two different animal models <strong>of</strong> Huntington’s disease (Cherny et al). PBT2 is a novel compound<br />
that is known to cross the blood-brain barrier, appears safe to humans and has demonstrated neuroprotective<br />
effects in various brain disease models. The purported mechanism <strong>of</strong> action <strong>of</strong> PBT2 is to act as a<br />
chaperone <strong>of</strong> metals such as iron and zinc. Both iron and zinc are thought to play an important role in<br />
the aggregation <strong>of</strong> proteins, such as huntingtin. PBT2 is thought to sequester these metals away from<br />
the mutant huntingtin protein and prevent the formation <strong>of</strong> toxic, oligomeric (multi-subunit) forms <strong>of</strong> huntingtin.<br />
In the newly published paper, Cherny et al tested PBT2 in both a worm and mouse model <strong>of</strong> HD. While<br />
PBT2 delayed the paralysis commonly observed in the HD worm, it is interesting to note that PBT2 had no<br />
apparent effect on the aggregation <strong>of</strong> the short polyglutamine-containing protein that is expressed in their<br />
worm. This suggests that the worm model used here is not ideal for understanding the impact PBT2 has<br />
on the different forms <strong>of</strong> huntingtin.<br />
More striking results were seen when the researchers administered PBT2 to a commonly used mouse<br />
model <strong>of</strong> HD (R6/2 mouse). The R6/2 mice express just a short fragment (3%) <strong>of</strong> the total human huntingtin<br />
protein. When dosed beginning at just three weeks <strong>of</strong> age, PBT2 had a significant impact on motor<br />
behavior, body weight, brain weight and survival <strong>of</strong> the HD mouse. They reported that HD mice treated<br />
with PBT2 lived 26% longer than the same HD mice treated with a vehicle control.<br />
While these results are certainly encouraging they are not entirely unexpected. Previous work from<br />
Nguyen et al in 2005 showed that clioquinol, a compound very similar to PBT2 in terms <strong>of</strong> chemical structure<br />
and mechanism <strong>of</strong> action, improved survival in the R6/2 mouse by 20% and had a significant effect<br />
on huntingtin aggregation.<br />
Based on these results, as well as previous data suggesting PBT2 may positively impact cognition<br />
(thinking) in Alzheimer’s disease, Prana set out to discover if PBT2 will have similar effects in HD patients.<br />
PBT2 is currently being tested in a Phase II clinical study called Reach2HD for patients with early to midstage<br />
HD in Australia and the United States. The Reach2HD trial is now fully recruited. The HD research<br />
community will be anxiously awaiting the results from this pivotal study.<br />
References:<br />
Nguyen T, Hamby A, Massa SM. Clioquinol down-regulates mutant huntingtin expression in vitro and mitigates<br />
pathology in a <strong>Huntington's</strong> disease mouse model. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2005 Aug 16; 102<br />
(33):11840-5.<br />
Cherny RA, Ayton S, Finkelstein DI, Bush AI, McColl G, Massa SM. PBT2 reduces toxicity in a C. elegans<br />
model <strong>of</strong> polyQ aggregation and extends lifespan, reduces striatal atrophy and improves motors performance<br />
in the R6/2 mouse model <strong>of</strong> Huntington’s disease. J Huntington’s <strong>Disease</strong> 2012, 211-219.
“Bridges <strong>of</strong> Hope” HDSA Michigan Chapter -3-<br />
Enroll-HD Study<br />
Data and biologic samples are being prospectively collected at research centers worldwide from individuals<br />
affected by HD and those who are part <strong>of</strong> an HD family. The study goals are:<br />
1. To improve the understanding <strong>of</strong> the dynamic phenotypic spectrum and the disease mechanisms <strong>of</strong> HD<br />
by:<br />
· collecting natural history data covering the cognitive, behavioral and motor domains permitting<br />
estimates <strong>of</strong> rates <strong>of</strong> progression in HD and allowing insights into the neurobiology <strong>of</strong> HD,<br />
· collecting data and biologic samples to identify genetic and environmental factors influencing and/<br />
or modifying the HD phenotype and disease progression, and<br />
· promoting interrogatory studies that may provide clues to the pathogenesis <strong>of</strong> HD.<br />
2. To promote development <strong>of</strong> evidence-based guidelines to inform clinical decision making and improve<br />
health outcomes for the participant/family unit by:<br />
· assisting in the identification <strong>of</strong> beneficial interventions (clinical, pharmaco-therapeutic, nonpharmacologic),<br />
· facilitating the dissemination and implementation <strong>of</strong> currently proposed best clinical practices,<br />
· providing a platform for conducting outcome research, and<br />
· promoting exploratory data analysis projects that may identify processes to further improve health<br />
care <strong>of</strong> affected individuals and their families<br />
3. To provide a platform to support the design and conduct <strong>of</strong> clinical trials by:<br />
· providing a resource to identify, develop and qualify novel assessment tools, clinical endpoints and<br />
biomarkers,<br />
· collecting longitudinal data to inform disease modeling studies,<br />
· facilitating the identification <strong>of</strong> potential trial participants, and<br />
· informing the selection <strong>of</strong> potential trial participants using data to estimate and quantify slopes/<br />
rates <strong>of</strong> disease progression (providing “run-in” data).<br />
The design <strong>of</strong> Enroll-HD puts no limit on the number <strong>of</strong> participants recruited or a timeframe in which the<br />
study will be completed.<br />
Dr. John Kamholz<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> Neurology and Molecular Medicine and Genetics<br />
Wayne State University School <strong>of</strong> Medicine<br />
Editors note: Wayne State University School <strong>of</strong> Medicine is investigation the necessary steps to become<br />
one <strong>of</strong> the study sites, but at this time is not part <strong>of</strong> the study group. We will update you with any<br />
updates either on the chapter web site or in the next newsletter.
“Bridges <strong>of</strong> Hope” HDSA Michigan Chapter -4-<br />
SPOTLIGHT ON A CURE<br />
A Talent Showcase to benefit<br />
<strong>Huntington's</strong> <strong>Disease</strong><br />
Saturday March 9<br />
7:00pm<br />
Lafayette Grande --- 1 Lafayette, Pontiac<br />
Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Tables <strong>of</strong> 8 may be purchased for $130. Credit cards<br />
accepted at the door. Please make checks payable to “HDSA-Michigan Chapter”. To purchase tickets<br />
in advance, visit<br />
https://www.hdsa.org/events/11732/register.html<br />
Tickets include: Appetizers, an evening <strong>of</strong> quality entertainment & surprises provided by our Talent<br />
Showcase performers and our House Band.<br />
Cash bar available.<br />
For questions or to register for auditions to perform in the Talent Showcase please contact Krissi at<br />
(586) 822-1730 or email krissilynn18@hotmail.com or Amber at (586) 530-6762. Auditions will be<br />
held on march 3rd at 1:00 pm. For more information on Huntington’s <strong>Disease</strong>, please visit HDSA.org
“Bridges <strong>of</strong> Hope” HDSA Michigan Chapter -5-<br />
Join us on Saturday, May 18, <strong>2013</strong> for the<br />
2nd Annual Grand Rapids Team Hope Walk for <strong>Huntington's</strong> <strong>Disease</strong>!<br />
Registration begins at 10:30 am / Walk begins at 11:30 am<br />
At the Johnson Park Enclosed Shelter (new location)<br />
2600 Wison Ave, Walker, MI 49534<br />
Adults: $15 Kids 13 & under: FREE<br />
Registration includes participation in the walk, a team hope t-shirt*, lunch by Pizza Hut/Wings St, awesome<br />
raffle and auction prizes, and fun with family and friends! We encourage everyone to round up their<br />
friends, co-workers, and neighbors and create teams!<br />
Help for Today<br />
The first $13,000 raised benefits the HDSA Michigan Chapter's fight to improve the lives <strong>of</strong> individuals<br />
and families affected by HD!<br />
Hope for Tomorrow<br />
Additional funds raised will be designated to research to find a cure for HD!<br />
To make an online Donation:<br />
www.firstgiving.com/hdsa-mi/grteamhopewalk<br />
Or<br />
Make checks payable to<br />
HDSA Michigan Chapter, Attn: GR Team Hope<br />
P.O. Box 21037, Lansing, MI 48909<br />
For more information please contact:<br />
Chelsea Boers, cboers91@yahoo.com, 269-370-3997<br />
*T-shirts are included in the registration until May 1, <strong>2013</strong>,. A limited selection <strong>of</strong> t-shirts<br />
will be available for $5.00 at the walk
“Bridges <strong>of</strong> Hope” HDSA Michigan Chapter -6-<br />
What? 2nd Annual Hoops for <strong>Huntington's</strong> is Saturday, May 18th, <strong>2013</strong><br />
When? Saturday May 18th, <strong>2013</strong>, 11:00 AM—4:00 PM<br />
Where? Windmill Pointe Park Gym, 14900 Windmill Point Drive, Grosse Point Park MI<br />
48230<br />
The <strong>2013</strong> Hoops for HD is designed to raise money, increase awareness to fight this devastating<br />
disease., or fund HD Research. Proceeds support HDSA's fight to improve the lives<br />
<strong>of</strong> people affected by HD and their families. This Hoop-a-thon is sponsored by the HDSA<br />
Great Lakes Region.<br />
For more information, or to volunteer please contact Bridget at: (313) 580-9253<br />
bridgetmhathaway@gmail.com<br />
To Donate Online : http://www.firstgiving.com/hdsa-greatlakes/hoops-for-huntington<br />
The Hathaway<br />
Family
“Bridges <strong>of</strong> Hope” HDSA Michigan Chapter -7-<br />
Enduro Race for a Cure at the Kalamazoo Speedway With Fireworks !!<br />
Sunday May 26., <strong>2013</strong> 6:00 PM on the Party Deck<br />
for more Information , Tickets, or to Volunteer Contact:<br />
Sara Boers , sara.boers@att.net , 269-381-7725<br />
They are looking for Silent Auction Items, and Sponsors, please contact Sara.<br />
________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
Kathleen Samulski will be in Washington DC on April 3 & 4, <strong>2013</strong> with HDSA to participate<br />
in the HDSA National Symposium and the 2 nd Annual Advocacy Day on the Hill. This invitation<br />
is a huge honor for Kathleen and we are grateful to have her representing Michigan<br />
and all individuals and families struggling with HD!! Thank you Kathleen!!!<br />
Kathleen is also participating in a Workplace Accommodations Team for HD.<br />
The Current Michigan Chapter board <strong>of</strong> directors consist <strong>of</strong> Dave Stickles—President, Krissi<br />
Putansu—Vice President, Chelsea Boers—Secretary, Alisha Johnson, Ruth Lentner, Kathleen<br />
Samulski, Dr. John Kamholz, Kelly Kennelly, Peggy Reddaway, Charlene Soleau, and Kathy<br />
Koziol. We have many new board members and appreciate their dedication to our HD families<br />
along with current board members. Thank you all for your contributions to the Michigan<br />
Chapter and it’s fight to find cure or effective treatment for HD, and improve the lives <strong>of</strong><br />
those struggling with HD.<br />
________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
We’re Going Green !!<br />
To help cut the cost and become more environmentally friendly we are updating our mailing<br />
database! Please fill out the reverse side <strong>of</strong> this sheet and return to our <strong>of</strong>fice to help us in<br />
our efforts. If you do not have internet access and want to continue receiving a paper copy<br />
we will keep you on the hard copy mailing list. Thank You!!<br />
We are also Moving our <strong>of</strong>fice:<br />
HDSA Michigan Chapter, P.O. Box 21037, Lansing MI 48909<br />
Office Phone 989-832-4170, Helpline : 1-800-909-0073<br />
Email: hdsami@att.net Web Site: www.hdsa.org/mi
“Bridges <strong>of</strong> Hope” HDSA Michigan Chapter -8-<br />
Teleconference Caregivers Support Group<br />
A Teleconference Caregivers Support Group will start again in July and is being hosted by<br />
Dave Stickles/Ruth Lentner. The meetings are on the last Sunday <strong>of</strong> the month at 8:00 PM.<br />
It will not replace any <strong>of</strong> the existing Support Groups.<br />
For some <strong>of</strong> you that are Caregivers it becomes harder, and you become more isolated from<br />
other Caregivers in the present Support Groups because many <strong>of</strong> you are not able to come to<br />
one <strong>of</strong> these existing Support Group Meetings.<br />
To help this situation we started a Conference Call for Caregivers that are unable to attend a<br />
meeting in person. The meetings have been taking place on the last Sunday <strong>of</strong> the month at<br />
8:00 PM. Again it will not replace any <strong>of</strong> the existing Support Groups.<br />
Please contact the Chapter Office on the 800-909-0073 (Toll Free) number if you would like<br />
to be in on this conference call. Someone will get back to you and give you the information on<br />
how to call into the meetings. Contact Dave at 1-800-909-0073 for further information.<br />
________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
Please join me in congratulating Danny Berry and his wife Darcy on the arrival <strong>of</strong><br />
their twin daughters Harper and Olivia on January 29, <strong>2013</strong>.<br />
________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
We’re Going Green !!<br />
Please send HDSA Michigan Chapter<br />
Publication and information to my:<br />
[ ] Email Address<br />
Name: _______________________________________<br />
Email:________________________________________<br />
HDSA Michigan Chapter<br />
[ ] Current Address P.O. Box 21037<br />
Name: _______________________________________ Lansing , MI 48909<br />
Address:______________________________________<br />
_____________________________________________<br />
_____________________________________________<br />
[ ] Remove my information from the mailing List
“Bridges <strong>of</strong> Hope” HDSA Michigan Chapter -9-<br />
Electric Wheelchair Donated to the<br />
Michigan Chapter in Memory <strong>of</strong><br />
Alex Caverly<br />
Pauline Caverly <strong>of</strong> Omer has donated an Invacare Electric Wheelchair<br />
in memory <strong>of</strong> her late husband Alex who passed away from<br />
complication <strong>of</strong> Huntington’s <strong>Disease</strong>. This wheelchair is available<br />
for LOAN to an HD Person on a first come first served basis. But in<br />
order to qualify there are a few criteria that should be met.<br />
1) The HD person should have good cognitive ability and fairly good<br />
hand coordination as this wheelchair can move quite fast, or an attending<br />
person should always be the one to operate it.<br />
2) The HD person should have minimal temper outburst as the<br />
speed <strong>of</strong> the wheelchair can present a hazard to those around the<br />
person operating the wheelchair.<br />
3) If the wheelchair is to be transported outside the home then a<br />
van with a lift would be necessary as the wheelchair is extremely<br />
heavy and would require 2-3 adults to lift it. Because it is electric it<br />
should not be transported on the outside <strong>of</strong> a vehicle as rain could<br />
damage the chair. A wheel chair ramp would also be necessary for moving it outside the home.<br />
We also have a many other items in the <strong>of</strong>fice that can be loaned out.<br />
If you feel your HD loved one could use this chair, or have other needs please call the Michigan Chapter<br />
help line at 1-800-909-0073 and see if we have the item to loan.<br />
We also have a number <strong>of</strong> other items in the <strong>of</strong>fice, a couple Broda Chairs, a Gerry Chair, several wheel<br />
chairs, some walkers, canes, Depends, and protective absorbent bedding pads. If you feel you can use<br />
any <strong>of</strong> these items please call the <strong>of</strong>fice and we will make arrangements to get them to you.<br />
_______________________________________________________________________________________<br />
Paper Recycling Fundraiser—PaperGator<br />
Raising Money for<br />
Huntington’s <strong>Disease</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>America</strong><br />
Michigan Chapter<br />
PaperGator Bin Located at<br />
Four Seasons Yard and Sports Equipment<br />
5426 Alpine Avenue<br />
Comstock Park, MI 49321<br />
What can go in the bins: Newsprint, Catalogs, Magazines, Junk Mail, Phone Books, Office/School Paper<br />
What can’t go in the bins: Plastic, Metal, Trash, Glass, Cardboard
“Bridges <strong>of</strong> Hope” HDSA Michigan Chapter -10-<br />
The Michigan Chapter's Patient and Family Services Committee presents<br />
The Caregiver's Corner.<br />
WHO CARES ??? WE DO !!! THEY DO !!! READ ON !!!<br />
Friends, we will print caregiver's stories that will show you that "THEY DO CARE".<br />
You will agree that ""THEY DO INDEED CARE" and are doing fantastic jobs as Caregivers. Our aim in future Newsletters is to<br />
bring you stories from people who really care and are doing marvelous jobs as Caregivers for their loved ones.<br />
Please call us, e-mail us, fax us, or write us with your stories so we can publish them in future Newsletters. 800-<br />
909-0073, hdsami@att.net, fax 989-832-4170. HDSA Michigan Chapter, 1174 James Savage Road, Midland MI<br />
________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
HD Living Positive Group Invites Participants to Join!<br />
Individuals who test positive through Pre-Symptomatic Testing Programs for Huntington <strong>Disease</strong> and<br />
those living-at-risk <strong>of</strong>ten feel isolation and uncertainty about their future. Traditional HD Support<br />
Groups <strong>of</strong>ten are inadequate to address the immediate needs <strong>of</strong> these individuals who are coping<br />
with the challenge <strong>of</strong> deciding about whether to be tested or how to live in relationships at work and<br />
in their personal lives after testing positive. These individuals <strong>of</strong>ten are not showing any clinical<br />
symptoms. In 2011 an HD Living Positive Group was started in Grand Rapids Michigan to meet this<br />
need for those who test positive and/or are living-at-risk. The HDSA Michigan Chapter provides financial<br />
support for a monthly group that meets at a private psychotherapy practice location. A brochure<br />
was developed to include the topics for discussion. The facilitator is a clinical social worker<br />
and a certified genetic counselor. A total <strong>of</strong> 18 individuals have attended one or more groups. Structure<br />
for the meetings includes a talking stick for introductions and for closing. Confidentiality is discussed<br />
to provide a trusting environment for everyone to share their personal concerns. Current newsletters and other educational<br />
materials are provided. Some <strong>of</strong> the topics discussed include how to "live positive" following test results, how to prolong<br />
the onset <strong>of</strong> symptoms, the benefits <strong>of</strong> meditation and exercise, the use <strong>of</strong> alternative therapies, the challenge <strong>of</strong> losing the<br />
independence <strong>of</strong> driving, who to tell and how to tell <strong>of</strong> test results, how to prepare young children and adolescents for HD in<br />
their lives, the difference between unawareness and denial, how to navigate the dual roles <strong>of</strong> being gene positive and a caregiver,<br />
how to support one another, and how to deal with the secrecy and stigma <strong>of</strong> HD. For more Information go to this website<br />
and click on Brochure: www.kathleendelp.com or call Kathleen at 616-581-3085<br />
________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
<strong>Huntington's</strong> <strong>Disease</strong> Advocates Celebrate Stem Cell Research Funding:<br />
A Step Closer to Clinical Trials<br />
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine on July 26, 2012 Awards $18.9 Million for<br />
Huntington’s <strong>Disease</strong> Research to UC Davis<br />
In what scientists and patients advocates say is an exciting development in the area <strong>of</strong> <strong>Huntington's</strong> disease (HD)<br />
research, California's stem cell agency today approved a grant proposal worth nearly $20 million that is designed<br />
to propel researchers at UC Davis Health System toward preparing for the first FDA-approved cellular therapy for<br />
HD patients. The researchers plan to use a novel therapy that could restore the health <strong>of</strong> brain cells damaged by<br />
a hallmark <strong>of</strong> the devastating neurodegenerative disease, the mutant huntingtin (htt) protein.<br />
With a green light from the governing board <strong>of</strong> the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), Vicki<br />
Wheelock, clinical pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> neurology and director <strong>of</strong> the HDSA Center <strong>of</strong> Excellence at UC Davis, and Jan<br />
Nolta, pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> internal medicine and director <strong>of</strong> the UC Davis Institute for Regenerative Cures, are leading a<br />
research project that plans to infuse specially engineered mesenchymal stem cells into the brains <strong>of</strong> <strong>Huntington's</strong><br />
disease patients. The stem cells, which will be customized to secrete brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF),
“Bridges <strong>of</strong> Hope” HDSA Michigan Chapter -11-<br />
are expected to restore the health <strong>of</strong> brain cells damaged by the mutant htt protein. This therapy has been shown to be<br />
effective in animal models <strong>of</strong> HD.<br />
The planned UC Davis trial for treating HD will target earlier phases <strong>of</strong> the disease, when patients are younger and before<br />
the illness's full impact takes its toll. Vicki Wheelock said that mesenchymal stem cells represent remarkably effective<br />
delivery vehicles because they move well through tissue and can produce high levels <strong>of</strong> growth factor for uptake by the<br />
damaged neurons. In preparation for its phase I clinical trial with HD patients, the <strong>Huntington's</strong> disease team is carefully<br />
testing its proposed cellular infusion therapy for safety and effectiveness.<br />
"The delivery <strong>of</strong> brain-derived neurotrophic factors via mesenchymal stem cells significantly reduces behavioral deficits<br />
in HD mice back to nearly normal levels," said Nolta, who has been working with Wheelock for the past several years in<br />
conducting the research for their successful grant proposal to CIRM. "We are doing further work to ensure that the proposed<br />
therapy will be safe and effective as we prepare for a clinical trial."<br />
For patients and their families, who have been tireless advocates for stem cell research, a multimillion dollar grant and<br />
the promise <strong>of</strong> a phase I clinical trial are breakthrough accomplishments in the fight to overcome <strong>Huntington's</strong> disease.<br />
"It's hard to put into words what this stem cell funding truly means for families like mine," said Judy Roberson, who lost<br />
both her 51-year-old husband and brother-in-law to the disease, and then went on to provide the impetus for establishing<br />
a multidisciplinary HD clinic at UC Davis. "The determination and dedication <strong>of</strong> Dr. Wheelock and Dr. Nolta, combined<br />
with CIRM's support, gives us the edge we need to overcome this terrible disease."<br />
Roberson and other patient advocates helped provide funding support to UC Davis at a crucial point in the university's<br />
stem cell research for HD. Also, a pilot grant from the university's Clinical and Translational Science Center, along with<br />
donations from two non-pr<strong>of</strong>it organizations - Team KJ and the Deshalamar Foundation - enabled Wheelock and Nolta to<br />
conduct the preliminary biosafety studies that were needed before the state stem cell agency would consider their <strong>Disease</strong><br />
Team grant proposal. Generous private philanthropy from the Roberson and Charles Pue families provided early<br />
support to the HD clinic at UC Davis, which is now a hub for clinical care and research trials and has followed over 300<br />
patients with the disease.<br />
To develop the proposed therapy to be used in the clinical trial, basic scientists and clinicians who comprise the <strong>Huntington's</strong><br />
disease team have met weekly for the past several years. Nolta noted that the team taps into expertise from<br />
throughout UC Davis, including the university's health system leadership, led by Claire Pomeroy, vice chancellor for Human<br />
Health Sciences and dean <strong>of</strong> the School <strong>of</strong> Medicine, and Fred Meyers, the school's executive associate dean.<br />
Wheelock credited her team's membership in the Huntington Study Group for developing expertise in conducting human<br />
HD research studies.<br />
"We are also consulting with national and international <strong>Huntington's</strong> disease experts," said Nolta. "But most importantly,<br />
the <strong>Huntington's</strong> disease community and patient advocates, who already have helped us make great strides through<br />
their philanthropy and participation in observational clinical trials, will continue to provide incredible inspiration for all <strong>of</strong><br />
us who are working to treat this heartbreaking disease."<br />
UC Davis is playing a leading role in regenerative medicine, with nearly 150 scientists working on a variety <strong>of</strong> stem cellrelated<br />
research projects at campus locations in both Davis and Sacramento. The UC Davis Institute for Regenerative<br />
Cures, a facility supported by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), opened in 2010 on the Sacramento<br />
campus. This $62 million facility is the university's hub for stem cell science. It includes Northern California's largest<br />
academic Good Manufacturing Practice laboratory, with state-<strong>of</strong>-the-art equipment and manufacturing rooms for cellular<br />
and gene therapies. UC Davis also has a Translational Human Embryonic Stem Cell Shared Research Facility in<br />
Davis and a collaborative partnership with the Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine at Shriners Hospital for Children<br />
Northern California. All <strong>of</strong> the programs and facilities complement the university's Clinical and Translational Science<br />
Center, and focus on turning stem cells into cures.<br />
Dr. Gary Dunbar’s Lab at Central Michigan University conducted earlier Stem Cell research as a basis for this grant.
“Bridges <strong>of</strong> Hope” HDSA Michigan Chapter -12-<br />
In Loving Memory<br />
Frank E. Baiardi<br />
Judith Vasil Begeman<br />
Raymond Berkobien<br />
Thomas “Tom” Bohnett<br />
Inez S. Bonadio<br />
Cal Burton<br />
Philip F. Cameron<br />
Hilda Casori<br />
Neta K. Diebler<br />
Jennifer Domagalski<br />
Michael H. Greyerbiehl<br />
Christina Jenkinson<br />
Eugene “Gene” Lahusky<br />
Mark Lipstraw<br />
Vera McClanskan<br />
Nancy Mealbach<br />
To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me<br />
(Author Unknown)<br />
When I am gone, release me, let me go,<br />
I have so many things to see and do,<br />
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears.<br />
Be happy that we had so many years.<br />
I gave you my love, You can only guess,<br />
How much you gave to me in happiness.<br />
I thank you for the love you each have shown,<br />
But now it is time I travel alone.<br />
So grieve a while for if grieve you must,<br />
then let your grief be, comforted by trust.<br />
It's only for awhile that we must part,<br />
so bless the memories within your heart.<br />
I won't be far away, for life goes on.<br />
So if you need me, call and I will come.<br />
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near.<br />
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear,<br />
All <strong>of</strong> my love around you, s<strong>of</strong>t and clear.<br />
And then, when you must come this way alone,<br />
I'll greet you with a smile, and say,.......<br />
"Welcome Home"<br />
Floris Miller<br />
Mary E. Ortowski<br />
Hal Peine<br />
Dayle Roberge<br />
Williard Scott<br />
Karen Stock<br />
Ron Sullivan<br />
Bruce Walker<br />
Kim M. (Wieske) Wolf
“Bridges <strong>of</strong> Hope” HDSA Michigan Chapter -13-<br />
It’s true...fundraising is not always easy.<br />
“We’re all busy”…”time is hard to find”…”money is tight”…”I’m not very organized”…”I don’t like<br />
talking to strangers”…”My family and friends get tired <strong>of</strong> me asking for help”…<br />
These are all the things we think when we hear the word fundraising.<br />
Dispel those myths! Here are some easy ways to help raise the funds that so dearly help HD<br />
families, research, and education!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Donate a portion <strong>of</strong> your pr<strong>of</strong>its from your small business!<br />
Donate money from a garage sale<br />
Collect pop cans from your neighborhood for a month! (and save those pop tabs too!)<br />
Have a car wash! Or a Dog wash! Just need a hose, some soap and a sign! And kids can<br />
help too!<br />
Remember, you don’t always have to think BIG!<br />
Every little bit counts!<br />
Donations can be made securely online by going to www.firstgiving.com/hdsami<br />
Please help to serve all Huntington’s <strong>Disease</strong> families better by sending your most generous<br />
contribution possible at this time.<br />
YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!<br />
ENCLOSE<br />
IN<br />
ENVELOPE<br />
AND MAIL<br />
TODAY<br />
TO: HDSA Michigan Chapter<br />
P.O. Box 21037<br />
Lansing, MI 48909<br />
ENCLOSURE: Check or money order made payable to HDSA Michigan Chapter<br />
____ $15 Individual Annual Membership<br />
____ $25 Family Annual Membership<br />
____ $___ Additional gift amount to help in the fight against HD<br />
Donations can be made securely online by going to www.firstgiving.com/hdsami
Adrian<br />
“Bridges <strong>of</strong> Hope” HDSA Michigan Chapter -14-<br />
HDSA MICHIGAN SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS<br />
AREA WHEN WHERE CONTACT<br />
1st Sunday monthly after that,<br />
check our web site or coordinator<br />
Lynwood Manor,<br />
730 Kimole Lane,<br />
Adrian MI 49221<br />
Myndi Milliken<br />
517-263-6771 ext. 436<br />
Grand Rapids & Western<br />
MI<br />
Fourth Wednesday Quarterly<br />
6:30-8:00 PM<br />
January, April, July, October<br />
St. Mary's Neuroscience Ctr<br />
Hauenstein 1 Community<br />
Education Conference Room<br />
220 Cherry Street SE<br />
Grand Rapids MI 49503<br />
Dave<br />
800-909-0073<br />
Greater Genesee<br />
County Area<br />
Kalamazoo<br />
Lansing (New)<br />
Living Positive<br />
Support Group<br />
Grand Rapids -Ada<br />
Macomb County<br />
Caregivers Group<br />
1st Monday<br />
7:00 pm<br />
(2nd Monday in September<br />
due to Labor Day)<br />
Monthly Meetings Through<br />
May, Nights Varies, 6:00 pm<br />
(Check with Coordinator for<br />
Days)<br />
3rd Thursday <strong>of</strong> the Month<br />
Quarterly<br />
6:00—7:30 PM<br />
Jan, April, July, October<br />
2nd Thursday 6:30-8:30 PM<br />
(For Gene Positive and at Risk<br />
Individuals)<br />
2nd Tuesday<br />
7:30 pm<br />
Woodhaven Senior Community<br />
G-5201 Woodhaven Ct<br />
Flint MI 48532<br />
First Congregational<br />
Church<br />
129 S. Park Street<br />
Kalamazoo MI 49007<br />
Community Mental Health<br />
Building Atrium<br />
812 Jolly Rd.<br />
Lansing MI 48910<br />
Psychotherapy and<br />
Consultation Offices<br />
967 Spaulding SE, Suite E<br />
Ada MI 49301<br />
4571 Reflections Drive<br />
Sterling Heights<br />
Jean or Barb<br />
810-659-4548<br />
Sara<br />
269-381-7725<br />
800-909-0073<br />
Facilitated by<br />
Janet Howes<br />
Kathy Delp at<br />
616-581-3085<br />
Kath6613@aol.com<br />
Deanna (Dee)<br />
586-997-3089<br />
Menominee Currently Inactive For Local Information Call<br />
Chris 715-938-5902<br />
Mt. Pleasant<br />
Royal Oak<br />
Taylor & Downriver<br />
Tri-Cities Area<br />
2nd Tuesday 7:00 pm<br />
No Meetings July, August<br />
3rd Saturday 1-3PM<br />
April 20, <strong>2013</strong><br />
July 20, <strong>2013</strong><br />
November 16, <strong>2013</strong><br />
Currently Inactive - if you<br />
are interested in attending<br />
please contact Dennis so<br />
we can determine interest<br />
1st Thursday<br />
7:00 pm<br />
No July or August Meetings<br />
Coldwell Bankers,<br />
304 East Broadway,<br />
Mt. Pleasant MI 48858<br />
Wm. Beaumont Hospital<br />
Administration Building<br />
Conference Room A/B/C<br />
3601 West 13 Mile Rd.<br />
TBD<br />
Taylor MI<br />
Saginaw Township Fire<br />
Dept. Station No. 3<br />
153 N. Center Rd<br />
Saginaw MI<br />
Ann 989-561-5023<br />
Dave 989-496-3273<br />
Karen 586-792-6579<br />
Krissi 586-822-1730<br />
Dennis 313-292-4717<br />
Ruth 989-835-9933<br />
Dave 989-496-3273<br />
Traverse City Currently Inactive For Local Information Call<br />
Karlene<br />
231-623-2233<br />
Office 1-800-909-<br />
0073
“Bridges <strong>of</strong> Hope” HDSA Michigan Chapter -15-<br />
HDSA MICHIGAN SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS<br />
Grand Rapids & Western Michigan—Fourth Wednesday Quarterly, April, July, October<br />
Greater Genesee County—1st Monday <strong>of</strong> the month, except 2nd Monday in September<br />
due to Labor Day<br />
Kalamazoo– Monthly Meetings through May, nights varies each month, check with Sara.<br />
Lansing—Third Thursday <strong>of</strong> the Month Quarterly, April, July and October.<br />
Living Positive Support Group, Grand Rapids/Ada— 2nd Thursday from 6:30 –8:30<br />
Mt. Pleasant - 2nd Tuesday <strong>of</strong> the Month, No July or August,<br />
Royal Oak— 3rd Saturday, April, July and November.<br />
Tri-City - 1st Thursday <strong>of</strong> the Month, No July or August meetings.<br />
FOR YOUR INFORMATION:<br />
What you need to bring with you for your Social Security Disability Interview<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
An original or certified copy <strong>of</strong> your birth certificate<br />
Pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> U.S. citizenship or legal residency if born in a different country<br />
Original or certified copy <strong>of</strong> your discharge papers for all periods <strong>of</strong> active duty in<br />
the military<br />
W-2 form from last year<br />
If you were self-employed, your federal tax return (IRS 1040, Schedules C & SE)<br />
Workers compensation information, including date <strong>of</strong> injury, claim number and<br />
payment amount<br />
Social Security Numbers <strong>of</strong> your spouse and children<br />
Name, address and phone number <strong>of</strong> a person who can get in touch with you if<br />
necessary<br />
Names, addresses and phone numbers <strong>of</strong> all doctors & other treating sources<br />
Dates seen by each treating source<br />
List <strong>of</strong> medications you are taking<br />
Medical records in your possession<br />
Kind <strong>of</strong> jobs and dates you worked in the 15 years before becoming disabled<br />
Doctors or Neurologists HD diagnosis, the more thorough and better this is the<br />
more likely the disability will go through the first time.
NON-PROFIT ORG.<br />
U.S.POSTAGE<br />
PAID<br />
MIDLAND, MI<br />
Permit # 335<br />
HDSA Michigan Chapter<br />
P.O. Box 21037<br />
Lansing, MI 48909<br />
*ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED *<br />
CHAPTER HELPLINE:<br />
(800) 909-0073<br />
CHAPTER OFFICE:<br />
(989) 832-4170<br />
FAX: (989) 832-4171<br />
WEB: www.hdsa.org Click on MI<br />
Chapter or go directly to our<br />
Chapter Web Site by going to:<br />
www.hdsa.org/mi<br />
C H A P T E R<br />
P R EO SF I F I C E R S<br />
D E N T :<br />
PRESIDENT:<br />
Dave Stickles<br />
VICE PRESIDENT:<br />
Krissi Putansu<br />
SECRETARY:<br />
Chelsea Boers<br />
TREASURER:<br />
Open<br />
“BRIDGES OF HOPE”<br />
Editing and Publishing Team:<br />
Ruth Lentner<br />
Dave Stickles<br />
Printing and Mailing:<br />
Tigner Printing,<br />
Coleman, MI<br />
Article inserts & ideas may be sent to<br />
dstick44@chartermi.net<br />
Editing rights apply<br />
This newsletter is an <strong>of</strong>ficial publication<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Michigan Chapter <strong>of</strong><br />
the Huntington’s <strong>Disease</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>America</strong>, PO Box 21037 Lansing,<br />
MI 48909.<br />
This newsletter attempts to report<br />
all items <strong>of</strong> interest relating to<br />
individuals with Huntington’s <strong>Disease</strong>,<br />
their families, health care<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essionals and interested<br />
friends and supporters. HDSA and<br />
the Michigan Chapter do not provide<br />
medical advice, nor do they<br />
promote, endorse or recommend<br />
any product, therapy or institution.<br />
Please check all drug treatments,<br />
therapies and products with your<br />
physician. Statements and opinions<br />
expressed in articles are not<br />
necessarily those <strong>of</strong> HDSA or the<br />
Michigan Chapter.