I'm new to this, but I figured it was probably time for me to be
around someone that knows what I am going through. My name is
Kara. I just turned 20 and I live in Reno, Nevada. My Grandma is
in the final stages of HD, and my Mother is in the beginning
stages. Late Onset HD runs in our family so we don't start showing
symptoms until our mid-50's. Upon her diagnosis my mother started
to drink and smoke heavily, and blames herself for every little
emotional crisis I might have even if it has nothing to do with any
of the HD stuff. I am scared to get tested because I am afraid that
my Mom will blame herself even more. I am also the only person I
know with the prospect of HD. None of my friends even really know
what it is, and when it comes up in any Biology or Psych class and I
tell my teacher that my Mom has it, I am looked at like either a
science experiment or they start questioning me..nonstop. So I
don't even offer up that information anymore. Basically, I can't
talk to anyone. I hope to make some friends here and I am glad that
there are places that we can go to talk.

Thank you,
Kara