Dear Abby | A Huntington's Disease Story

Описание: “Dear Abby” is a documentary short and digital outreach initiative that explains Huntington’s disease (HD) and juvenile Huntington’s disease (JHD) through human-centered storytelling. HD is a rare, inherited brain disorder caused by a DNA change that leads to progressive challenges in movement, cognition, and mood. Juvenile HD appears in childhood or adolescence and often advances more quickly, placing extraordinary demands on families, schools, and care teams.

The project was originally conceived as a different film—an uplifting, on-location portrait built around a scheduled production. But during pre-production, our young subject’s condition progressed with devastating speed, and we were forced to call the shoot six days before day one. That moment reshaped “Dear Abby” into a broader, evergreen resource: a film and education effort that lifts up many families’ experiences and equips the public with clear information about HD and JHD.

The film pairs lived experience with expert-informed context: what HD is, early signs and symptoms, how diagnosis is made, why multidisciplinary care and mental-health support are critical, and where families can find trustworthy help. By focusing on universal moments—love, fear, resilience, and community—the project invites broader audiences to learn and act, whether they’ve heard of HD or not.

Our mission:

Increase public awareness and reduce stigma around HD/JHD
Connect families to credible resources and support networks
Encourage participation in advocacy and research efforts
Inspire donations that fund patient services and scientific progress

“Dear Abby” is more than a film; it’s a doorway into understanding—born from a sudden pivot and guided by the needs of families facing HD. Watch, share, and stand with the HD community. Together we can turn awareness into action.

#HuntingtonsDisease #JuvenileHD #HDawareness #RareDisease #CaregiverSupport #Neurodegenerative #GeneticDisorders #PatientAdvocacy #DocumentaryFilm #HealthcareEducation