(WBNG) – The North East Region of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) will host the Binghamton Virtual Team Hope Walk / Ann’s 5K Race Saturday May 8 at 10 a.m.

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a disease of the brain that is passed down through families from generation to generation.

It causes the gradual breakdown of nerve cells in the brain, damaging a person’s physical and mental abilities.

HD is described as having ALS, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease – simultaneously.

The HD population in New York is currently over 19,000. Today, there are approximately 41,000 symptomatic Americans and 200,000 at risk of inheriting the disease.

For race coordinator Sally Forbidussi, the cause is personal, as a family member has the disease.

Each year, the event is held in honor and named after Ann Trip, who currently battles Huntington’s disease (HD). All proceeds support HDSA’s mission to improve the lives of people affected by HD and their families.

This year will be the 9th Annual Ann’s 5K in conjunction with the HDSA Team Hope Walk.

“Because Huntington’s disease is something that you can only be passed genetically from a parent, not many people know. So it is very important to spread the word and to raise awareness so that people can try to help make a difference. the more money is raised and the more people are informed about it, the better the chances of finding a cure one day, which would be really great, ”said Forbidussi

The event can be done in person at Otsiningo Park or virtually anywhere you like.

“Life is something we just have to live and sometimes there are disappointments and there are a lot of really good things, but a lot of us are affected by disability, whether it’s Huntington or whatever. It might get difficult without that person who has it. disease, they are still a person inside and they appreciate all the love and care. “