Bill Johnston with wife Ramona, son Jared and daughter Hayley

By Bill Johnston
Board Member, HDSA-San Diego

On Sunday, May 31, once again I’ll be RUNNING TO CURE HD in the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon to help raise money to cure Huntington’s disease, the disease that has stricken my wife Ramona and threatens our children. 

However this year is special. This year I’ll be running with my daughter Hayley, 20, as she attempts her first marathon. She’s in great shape, but very nervous about what lies ahead. I couldn’t be more proud of her for the sacrifice she’s making to run for her mom and raise money and awareness to end this horrible, fatal brain disorder.

For the past four years Ramona has been living outside the home, including the last two years at a skilled-nursing home. The disease has taken most of her physical and mental capabilities to the point where she can no longer walk, eat, or even talk. Fortunately, her heart and spirit shine on. As Hayley says, “each time I see her she manages to make me laugh and her smile always brightens my day.” To learn more about Huntington’s disease, explore this site and also www.hdsa.org.

Since I starting RUNNING TO CURE HD in 2000, you have pledged $210,000 to the Huntington’s Disease Society, including more than $20,000 last year. Add $42,000 raised by other dedicated runners as well as matching funds, and the total raised in nine races exceeds $500,000. See the long list below of last year’s generous supporters. I apologize if I left you off. Please let me know.

Please consider supporting Hayley in her first marathon as you have supported me and our family in the past. Click on the form below, complete, and return to me via email, fax (858-292-2760) or mail to Hayley Johnston c/o HDSA-San Diego, 2095 Monaco Ct., El Cajon, CA 92019. Your contribution is tax deductible (Tax ID# 13-3349872). Both Hayley and I will proudly wear your name on our back and be grateful every step of the way.

With your support, we know we can end this horrible disease.  THANK YOU … again.

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Friends for a Cure 2009

Pledge for Hayley today!