Honored family members affected by Huntington’s disease

Cincinnati, Ohio (July 8, 2021) – The Ohio Valley Chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) is happy to announce that eight local residents took part in Race Across America (RAAM) as the relay team 6 Minutes ‘Til Cutoff in June of 2021. Members of the team included Scott Pennington, Darrell Pitman, Kevin Irwin, John Miller, Keith Marsh, Walter Hand, Leslie Bohart, and Francis Alueta.  

RAAM is one of the most respected and longest running ultra-endurance events in the world. It is seen as a pinnacle of athletic achievement not only in cycling circles but the greater sporting community as well. here is no race that combines the distance, terrain and weather; no other event that tests a team’s spirit from beginning to end. 

6 Minutes “Til Cutoff would finish RAAM in 8 days, 8 hours, and 43 minutes with an average mph of 15.3. Through their team, they have raised awareness against Huntington’s disease (HD) as well as raise money for HDSA’s Ohio Valley Chapter. All proceeds support HDSA’s mission to improve the lives of people affected by HD and their families. Members of 6 Minutes “Til Cutoff have been personally affected by HD. 

“Our local HD community is so grateful for the support of 6 Minutes ‘til Cutoff,” said Rebecca Irwin, HDSA’s Ohio Valley Board Member. Just like our HD families persevere, this incredible group of eight riders persevered through intense heat, mountain climbs, wind, and even forest fires to ride continuously across our United States. We are so encouraged by their journey in honor of our HD community.” 

To learn more about HDSA’s Ohio Valley Chapter, visit OHIOVALLEY.HDSA.ORG  

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Huntington’s disease (HD) is a fatal genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It deteriorates a person’s physical and mental abilities during their prime working years and has no cure. Every child of a parent with HD has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene. Today, there are approximately 41,000 symptomatic Americans and more than 200,000 at-risk of inheriting the disease. The symptoms of HD are described as having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s – simultaneously.

The Huntington’s Disease Society of America is the premier nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by HD. From community services and education to advocacy and research, HDSA is the world’s leader in providing help for today and hope for tomorrow for people with HD and their families. HDSA was founded in 1967 by Marjorie Guthrie, the wife of legendary folk singer Woody Guthrie. Woody died from HD complications when he was only 55 years old, but the Guthrie family legacy lives on at HDSA to this day.

To learn more about Huntington’s disease and the work of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, visit www.hdsa.org or call (800)345-HDSA. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Matthew Santamaria

Communications Coordinator 

(212) 242-1968 ext. 204 

msantamaria@hdsa.org