HD affects males, females, and knows no ethnic and racial boundaries. To describe the disease to someone who knows nothing of the disease, it is like having a diagnosis of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, ALS, Bipolar disorder, and Schizophrenia all at the same time.
While there is research taking place there is no cure and to date, no treatments to combat the disease other than a few drugs that relieve some of the symptoms.
Huntington’s Disease is not only a physical disease; it causes severe emotional problems and tears apart the families affected. Medical professionals often do not know about HD and give wrong information to the patients and their families, resulting in even more difficulties.
It is a monster disease with no one knowing the exact number of people affected by it due to fears relating to not only those at risk simply not wanting to know their fate, but fears of being discriminated against by insurance companies, banks, employers or child protection authorities. These factors make those at risk think twice before being tested for the disease.
James Valvano wants to bring a face to Huntington’s Disease so the world can see exactly what it is and how it affects individuals. He created the Huntington’s Disease Project: Removing the Mask in 2010 to produce a comprehensive international documentary for Huntington’s disease, taking on topics never discussed before, explains his Facebook page.
The topics discussed in the documentary are open, honest and even controversial, with subjects including suicide and euthanasia.
Mr. Valvano says on his website, It is so important to show the world exactly what Huntington’s disease does to the individual, their family, and their entire world. HD is a monster and we are no longer hiding the truth about this disease. Too many have sugarcoated every aspect of Huntington’s disease…now is the time to remove the mask, and show the entire world why Huntington’s disease is considered the devil of all diseases!
The project is expected to be complete in June, 2015 but a trailer has been released. The trailer is blunt, an in your face video that makes you uncomfortable from beginning to end.
While WeHaveAFace.org has garnered many sponsors to produce the film they still need to raise what appears to be a small amount to finish the project. To raise the funds they produced a video that is bold in its presentation and is worth watching, but is not for the faint of heart and is meant to show the viewer what a horror story Huntington’s Disease is.
