Who We Are
Welcome to the Huntington's Disease Society of America's (HDSA) Albany Chapter. We are a part of HDSA's Northeast Region. The Albany Chapter began as the Albany NY, Western Massachusetts and Southern Vermont Affiliate in April 2011.In June 2016, we became the Albany Chapter.
We support anyone affected by HD (patient, caregiver, family, friends, etc.) from the Adirondacks to Westchester County and Utica to Western Massachusetts and Southern Vermont. The majority of our events are in the greater Capital District but we are always exploring new ideas in other areas.
Our Mission
To improve the lives of everyone impacted by Huntington's disease by providing support, driving advocacy, and accelerating research.
Our Vision
A world where Huntington’s disease is treatable and care is accessible for all.
What is HD?
Huntington’s disease (HD) is an inherited neurological disease that causes progressive breakdown of movement, thinking, and behavior. Symptoms worsen over time and can affect a person’s ability to work, communicate, and care for themselves. Today, approximately 41,000 Americans are living with symptoms, and more than 200,000 are at risk of developing the disease. Each child of a parent with HD has a 50 percent chance of inheriting the gene. There is currently no cure, but research is accelerating the development of better treatments and improved care.
About HDSA
The Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) is the leading national nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of everyone impacted by Huntington’s disease. Through community events, education, advocacy, specialized care, and research advancement, HDSA connects individuals and families to trusted resources and works to ensure no one faces Huntington’s disease alone.
Across the United States, HDSA currently supports:
• 50+ volunteer-led chapters and affiliates
• Huntington’s disease research
• HDSA Centers of Excellence
• Social workers
• Support groups
• Education programs
• Youth and young adult programs
• Advocacy efforts
• Extensive community education and awareness through Team Hope walks and more than 300 special events annually
HDSA Centers of Excellence
At these world-class facilities, patients benefit from expert neurologists, psychiatrists, therapists, counselors and other professionals who have deep experience working with families affected by HD and who work collaboratively to help families plan the best HD care program throughout the course of the disease.
For the exact address of each HDSA Center of Excellence, click here for our Locate Resources page
Contact
HDSA Albany ChapterAttn Cathy Peake
21 Kodiak Drive
Averill Park, NY 21018
HDSA Development Officer
Virginia Goolkasian
PO Box 14
Chelmsford, MA 01824
p. (978) 905-5588
e. vgoolkasian@hdsa.org