If you have any questions about any of these award categories or the 2024 National Award Gala, please contact Mynelly Perez at mperez@hdsa.org. Thank you!
Nomination Categories are:
HDSA PERSON OF THE YEAR: The HDSA Person of the Year is our most prestigious award. The person who receives this honor is an extraordinary individual who is living with HD but, they do not let their diagnosis or disabilities prevent them from serving as a shining example of how to live positively with Huntington’s disease. The HDSA Person of the Year is an advocate, a voice for HD, and a leader who faces life with courage, dignity and a fighting spirit that inspires others who are affected by HD.
MARJORIE GUTHRIE AWARD: Marjorie Guthrie embodied the “can do” spirit that has made HDSA a pivotal organization in the fight against HD. She devoted her life to improving the lives of those affected by HD through legislative, community and individual action long before the gene that causes HD was discovered. This award recognizes a member of the HD community who has, through their compassionate leadership, improved the lives of all persons living with HD either in their community or nationally.
WOODY GUTHRIE ADVOCACY AWARD: Woody Guthrie was a social activist and storyteller who wove these two talents into a tapestry of social comment. His songs championed the ordinary folk whose lives were often embroiled in the turmoil of the times. He gave his voice so those who had none would be heard. Huntington’s disease may have robbed Woody Guthrie of his voice, but his spirit lives on in the words of many writers who were touched by his presence, his writing or his music. This award recognizes an individual or group who embody the spirit to Woody Guthrie – who have given their voice to the fight against Huntington’s disease through their social activism, their efforts to bring awareness and their commitment to making a difference for HD families each and every day.
HDSA YOUTH/JHD AWARD: Growing up in an HD family brings challenges that other youth and young adults seldom face. No matter what role the youth or young adult may play in their HD family, each has chosen to use their time, energy and commitment to increasing awareness of HD by bringing this devastating disease into their classroom, school and community through fundraising, advocacy and education efforts. This award recognizes an outstanding youth, who is at-risk, gene-positive or who has JHD, is between the ages of 9-29 and who has, through his/her actions, raised awareness about HD locally, demonstrated leadership and a firm commitment to the HD community.
HDSA EXCELLENCE IN CARE AWARD: HDSA is committed to ensuring that expert care is readily available for HD families until a cure is found. Care wears many faces and can be found in many different venues such as our HDSA Centers of Excellence, our HDSA social workers, and by other staff who help to problem solve the many challenges that face our families daily. The HDSA Excellence in Care Award is our opportunity to celebrate and honor a care professional or team of professionals, who personify the word “care” through compassion, devotion to our families affected by HD and commitment to our cause.
HDSA CHAPTER OF THE YEAR: The HDSA Chapter of the Year exemplifies the very best of community leadership and the values of ONE HDSA. The Chapter’s volunteers work collaboratively to support the HDSA mission in their community through vibrant educational support and fundraising activities, as well as welcoming new HD families. This Chapter regularly recruits new volunteers and strives to develop a board that showcases versatility and talents that add to their success and strong succession plan. The Chapter of the Year innovates with new programs and activities, engages their community and serves as ambassadors for the HD community.
HDSA AFFILIATE OF THE YEAR: The HDSA Affiliate of the Year exemplifies the very best of HDSA community leadership and the values of ONE HDSA. The Affiliate’s volunteers work collaboratively with staff and one other to support the HDSA mission in their community through community resources, fundraising activities, as well as welcoming new HD families. This Affiliate regularly recruits volunteers and strives to develop a leadership committee that showcases versatility and talent. The Affiliate of the Year innovates with new programs and activities, engages their community and serves as ambassadors for the HD community.
OUSTANDING EDUCATION & FAMILY SERVICES: The HDSA Outstanding Education & Family Services award recipient is an HDSA Chapter or Affiliate who has gone above and beyond to empower our families, physicians and community members with services and knowledge of HD. This recipient serves their community by sharing critical information through education and other family services events in alliance with our strategic goals of Care, Cure and Community.
OUSTANDING ADVOCACY EFFORTS: HDSA is committed to advocating to remove barriers to care for families nationwide. From national advocacy initiatives, like supporting funding for the National Institutes of Health to local efforts like State proclamations for HD Awareness month and educating law enforcement about HD, this award recognizes HDSA Chapter or Affiliate that has done the most to further HDSA’s advocacy initiatives.
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN FUNDRAISING: HDSA Chapter and Affiliate members hold more than 300 fundraising events annually! These events, in all shapes and sizes, help fund the mission services that our organization provides. Small and large, these events have a major impact and showcase HDSA’s work for families locally and nationally. This award recognizes the HDSA Chapter or Affiliate whose innovative and successful fundraising outperformed and serves as a model for the HDSA community.
LETSTALKABOUTHD: At HDSA, we know that telling the story of the HD family is integral to spreading awareness and accomplishing our mission. Putting our voice behind our actions leads to change. Many members of the HD Community talk with reporters, post on social media, and host video conferencing programs to help their voice ring louder. We would like to recognize the HDSA Chapter or Affiliate and their members, who have amplified their voice and message to make an impact in their community.