Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s Iowa Chapter is our featured charity this month and has received a $1500 donation through our MFLCares program. The funds will be used to help individuals affected by Huntington’s Disease (HD) and their families through support and services.
“Midwest Family Lending continues to be one of our biggest business supporters in the Des Moines metro,” says Andrea Bauer, president of Huntington’s Disease Society of America – Iowa Chapter. “HDSA truly feels honored to continue to have their support year after year. We love seeing the MFLC team at our yearly Team Hope Walks and Celebration of Hope Gala.”
Through MFLCares, Midwest Family Lending employees nominate and select one cause a month to support that is meaningful to them. Eric Smith, licensed mortgage loan originator with Midwest Family Lending, nominated Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s Iowa Chapter (HSDA). The Smiths have raised both awareness of and dollars for HDSA Iowa in hopes of one day finding a cure for the disorder that has affected them deeply.
“HDSA supports families with HD and is helping find a cure for this brain disease that’s passed down in families from generation to generation,” Eric says. “Unfortunately, one of my brothers, Mark, passed away from complication of HD in June of 2020. And my brother, Bill and sister, Becky, are suffering with HD. With our support, along with that from the community, we hope to raise awareness and one day help find a cure.”
About HDSA Iowa
HD is a fatal genetic disorder that deteriorates a person’s physical and mental abilities, usually during their prime working years. It’s described as having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s simultaneously. The disease is caused by a gene mutation; any child of an affected parent has a 50 percent chance of inheriting the disease.
The Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) is “the premier nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by Huntington’s disease.” From community services and education to advocacy and research, HDSA is the world’s leader in providing help for today and hope for tomorrow for people with Huntington’s disease and their families.
Its mission is:
- To help individuals affected by Huntington’s Disease and their families through support and services
- To educate both the public and health care professionals about Huntington’s Disease
- To promote and support research directed at discovering a treatment and ultimately a cure for Huntington’s disease.
Living with Huntington’s Disease
See what it’s like to live with HD in this ABC News story featuring two families affected by Huntington’s disease.
How You Can Help
Donate
It’s not too late to donate to the 2021 Team Hope Walk!
Stay Informed
Follow HDSA Iowa on Facebook to keep up to date on HD news and events.
MFLCares is a program of Midwest Family Lending, a local mortgage company committed to creating customers for life and to community impact. Check out our calendar to learn more about the great causes MFLCares has supported this year.
“Huntington’s Disease is an extremely rare genetic disease with a small footprint. Having the support, awareness and advocacy from business leaders like Midwest Family Lending helps us grow our awareness.”
-Andrea Bauer, HDSA Iowa