We often remark in life that “nobody knows what goes on behind closed doors,” but without first-hand stories like these, I don’t think we really understand the extent of that sentiment. I implore anyone to read HD Heroes.
George Rainsford, actor and patron for the Huntington’s Disease Association

Essential reading for anyone affected by Huntington’s, whether carrier, caregiver, partner, or friend. Profoundly moving accounts by those with or at risk of inheriting this cruel disease.
Helen Pidd, author and North of England editor at the Guardian.

I was truly brought to tears by the authors’ courage and fortitude in finding ways to deal with the hardships and create empowerment from the difficult road HD represents—it is motivational and inspirational for all of us to read.
Leslie M. Thompson, HD researcher

HD Heroes invites the reader to become part of the HD team by having a better understanding of the impact of the disease on the real lives of those living it. The contributors here have shared their lives in a brave and open manner.
Mark Guttman MD, FRCPC neurologist and clinical researcher in HD

HD Heroes is a moving, powerful, and remarkable collection of personal stories from people affected by HD in some way. Their stories must be read by anyone interested in learning more about what makes our HD family community so amazing.
Professor Sarah Tabrizi, HD doctor and scientist

Huntington’s disease has been steeped in secrecy and fear for generations, leaving people in the community without a voice. This book changes that. Twenty-six people from nine countries bravely share their personal stories about living in the shadows of this disease. By doing so they are saying: Here I am. I will not be kept silent.

From a scientist who switched from cancer research to studying Huntington’s after finding out her mother had tested positive for the disease, to a young man whose biggest fear was testing gene negative and not inheriting the disease, to a woman who grew up in survival mode, unable to express her grief. We learn about the ways their lives are better off because of the hardships they have faced. By sharing these intimate parts of their lives, they are taking away the fear and stigma of living with HD in their families, and for that reason alone they are truly all HD heroes.

And when you read these stories, you will see that YOU are an HD hero too.

This book shares first-person stories from people who have tested gene positive, who have tested gene negative, or who have decided not to test, as well as stories from young carers, families living with juvenile HD, scientists, HD advocates, and more.

50% of the profits from the sale of this book will be donated to HDYO (Huntington’s Disease Youth Organization).

With stories from Charlie Burke, Emma Burnip, Ashley Clarke, Andrea Florian, Scarlett J. Florence, Lindsay Groot, Josh Halliday, Emma Harris, Rob Haselberg, Jenny Louise Johnson, Brandon Khoury, Sarah Khoury, Shelby Lentz, Domonique Claire Link, Dr. Tamara Maiuri, Joshua Marshall, Judy Melville, Paramjit Oberoi, Erin Paterson, Erin Pryce, Archana Ravada, Mackenzie Remillard, Gabrielle Russo, Joanne Somerville, Mandy Urbach, and Emma Wajswasser

Special contributions from Erika Boulavsky, Jenna Heilman (HDYO), Charles Sabine, and Dr. Malvindar Singh-Bains

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America’s bestselling author of Wilderness, The Gateway to the Soul and Nature’s Silent Message offers a glimpse into his childhood of skateboarding, high school brawls, and early trials and tribulations with money and success. The scenery may be different, but the writing style is business as usual, with life lessons cruising a mile a minute in this insightful read about what it means to never grow up.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”

We’ve been asked this question over and over, practically since the day we could walk. Many of us have absolutely no idea. We never have and we never will. This bothers us terribly, and on a profound level. We feel useless, disconnected, scattered, unfocused. If we could just make up our minds—about something, about anything!

What if you didn’t have to grow up?

Society would like us to believe that to be happy, we need successful careers. But let’s face it—we’re not all meant to be doctors, lawyers, scientists, and accountants.

Some are meant to be dreamers.

The people on the fringes of society who don’t necessarily subscribe to the modern version of the American Dream. Artists, adrenaline junkies, nomads, life seekers. Those who doubt conventional wisdom, question authority, and continually search for newer, better ways to live.

The world needs freaks—now more than ever.

Never before has there been such an opportunity to live the life of your dreams. Never before have there been so many ways to earn an income. Never before have there been so many ways to have fun!

What do you want to be…when you don’t grow up?

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