Luanne Bas

By Luanne Bas
President, HDSA-San Diego

This is my first “President’s Corner” column since taking over the presidency of the HDSA-San Diego Board of Trustees last year. I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself and reaffirm my commitment to the fight for finding a cure for Huntington’s disease.

I have lived in San Diego for 32 years and worked for Union Bank for almost 17 years. I have been married to a terrific partner – Ron Bas – for the past 29 years. We have two children who are now working and off to college.

I became involved with the board two years ago because of Union Bank’s commitment to supporting the local community and the personal struggle of past president Bill Johnston. After hearing the plight of his beautiful wife Ramona, I was moved to put my resources and the resources of the bank into the fight against HD.

Bill left huge footsteps for me to follow. But he continues to be a partner in this mission. For nine years he has accumulated great hands-on experience caring for his beautiful bride and leading the nation’s No. 1 HDSA team.

You can’t hear Bill and Ramona’s story – or the stories of the many people I have met at our support group meetings – without wanting to stay involved and make a difference.

Our board is a partnership of good people who take time out of their personal lives to dedicate to this cause. I am continuously impressed by the commitment of our board and advisory board and of the tireless volunteers who make our fundraising activities successful. We are truly committed to ending Huntington’s.

HDSA-San Diego was the HDSA Chapter of the Year in 2008 due to our success in fundraising and advocacy.

We are especially proud to report that Representatives Bob Filner (D-CA) and Brian Bilbray (R-CA) have reintroduced legislation, H.R. 678, to improve access to disability and Medicare benefits for people living with HD. We need you, your family, and friends to contact your Representative and urge him or her to cosponsor this vital legislation. Go to www.house.gov now to find your representative's contact information.

I am also proud to introduce our newly updated and designed website. This has been a labor of love for our communications committee for two years. These individuals have helped us review every detail of design, content and ease of use. We hope that you will find it innovative, inviting and informative. The site will keep you informed about our advocacy efforts, fundraisers, and the tough issues that families and patients face each day.

We would like your feedback on the site and want to hear your ongoing concerns and needs. Please e-mail us by clicking here.

Thank you for supporting HDSA-San Diego. With your help we will end this devastating disease.