Moon Township, Pa. -
For seven years, the Robert Morris University women's lacrosse team has hosted the Hope for the Cure Tournament, an annual youth lacrosse event to benefit a variety of charities throughout the years. This season, the Colonials again took aim at Huntington's Disease; a neurological disease near and dear to the RMU program.
Head Coach Katy Phillips’ mother, Marian Phillips, was diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease nearly 5 years ago. The family was unaware that HD existed in the family line, and was thus shocked by the diagnosis. Marian is in the late stages of HD and at 66 is currently living in a full care nursing facility. Children of those with HD have a 50/50 chance of inheriting the disease. Coach Phillips personally has chosen not to be tested, but has spent much of her time working to not only fundraise for the cause, but educate people on this underserved population.
Huntington’s Disease, also known as HD, is an inherited progressively degenerative brain disorder. Typically symptoms appear between age 30 and 50. Over a 10-25 year period the ability to think, speak, and walk are greatly diminished. There is currently no cure for HD. The Huntington’s Disease Society of America: Western Pennsylvania Chapter is the local branch in which Coach Phillips is an avid member. This chapter’s primary focus is to promote and support research to find a cure, help those affected by the disease, and educate the public and health care professionals about HD.
For the past six years, Robert Morris Women’s Lacrosse has hosted the Colonial Classic, Hope for the Cure 7v7 Tournament during the month of October. The first three years in existence the tournament was run with hopes of raising funds for The Glimmer of Hope organization. Glimmer of Hope is a local organization raising money and awareness for breast cancer. During these past three years the Colonial Classic tournament has put the emphasis on Huntington’s Disease, a cause that personally affects Coach Phillips.
On the support that the game of lacrosse has given her, Coach Phillips stated, “Since my mother’s diagnosis, I have become passionate in increasing awareness of HD! I am so thankful to have the support of the local lacrosse community and RMU in helping me to achieve this goal!”
The past three years of the Colonial Classic Hope for the Cure tournament has raised $13,000 for HD. The first year brought in roughly $1,000, with the second year doubling that at $2,000. Coach Phillips set the bar at a $10,000 donation in the beginning of the fall and was only interested in meeting or exceeding that amount. Between the tournament and other fall activities the $10,000 goal was met!
For more on Coach Phillips' story, Huntington's Disease, and the Huntington's Deisease Society of America, please view the information and video below.
About Huntington's Disease: Huntington's Disease is an inherited, progressively degenerative brain disorder. Current estimates are that 1 in every 10,000 people in the U.S. have HD. The disease however effects many more through the ripple effect throughout families. Typically, symptoms appear between age 30 and 50. However, cases have been noted as early as 2 and as late as 80. The first symptoms usually appear slowly and can vary from person to person. Early symptoms include involuntary movements of the body and limbs and marked personality changes. Over a period of 10-25 years the ability to think, to speak and to walk is greatly diminished in persons with HD. About ten percent of the HD cases will be juvenile striking at a very early age and progressing very rapidly.
At present, there is no cure. However, modern medicine has provided many drug treatments that help improve the quality of life for those with HD. HD affects all sexes, races, ethnic groups, and ages. Each child of an affected parent with HD has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the gene. If a person carries the gene eventually they will develop HD.
About the Huntington's Disease Society of America, Western Pennsylvania Chapter: The Western Pennsylvania Chapter works locally to fulfill the mission of The Huntington's Disease Society of America by promoting and supporting research to find a cure for HD, helping people and families affected by the disease, and educating the public and health care professionals about HD. The chapter hosts a monthly support group for both people with HD and families affected by HD.
For seven years, the Robert Morris University women's lacrosse team has hosted the Hope for the Cure Tournament, an annual youth lacrosse event to benefit a variety of charities throughout the years. This season, the Colonials again took aim at Huntington's Disease; a neurological disease near and dear to the RMU program.
Head Coach Katy Phillips’ mother, Marian Phillips, was diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease nearly 5 years ago. The family was unaware that HD existed in the family line, and was thus shocked by the diagnosis. Marian is in the late stages of HD and at 66 is currently living in a full care nursing facility. Children of those with HD have a 50/50 chance of inheriting the disease. Coach Phillips personally has chosen not to be tested, but has spent much of her time working to not only fundraise for the cause, but educate people on this underserved population.
Huntington’s Disease, also known as HD, is an inherited progressively degenerative brain disorder. Typically symptoms appear between age 30 and 50. Over a 10-25 year period the ability to think, speak, and walk are greatly diminished. There is currently no cure for HD. The Huntington’s Disease Society of America: Western Pennsylvania Chapter is the local branch in which Coach Phillips is an avid member. This chapter’s primary focus is to promote and support research to find a cure, help those affected by the disease, and educate the public and health care professionals about HD.
For the past six years, Robert Morris Women’s Lacrosse has hosted the Colonial Classic, Hope for the Cure 7v7 Tournament during the month of October. The first three years in existence the tournament was run with hopes of raising funds for The Glimmer of Hope organization. Glimmer of Hope is a local organization raising money and awareness for breast cancer. During these past three years the Colonial Classic tournament has put the emphasis on Huntington’s Disease, a cause that personally affects Coach Phillips.
On the support that the game of lacrosse has given her, Coach Phillips stated, “Since my mother’s diagnosis, I have become passionate in increasing awareness of HD! I am so thankful to have the support of the local lacrosse community and RMU in helping me to achieve this goal!”
The past three years of the Colonial Classic Hope for the Cure tournament has raised $13,000 for HD. The first year brought in roughly $1,000, with the second year doubling that at $2,000. Coach Phillips set the bar at a $10,000 donation in the beginning of the fall and was only interested in meeting or exceeding that amount. Between the tournament and other fall activities the $10,000 goal was met!
For more on Coach Phillips' story, Huntington's Disease, and the Huntington's Deisease Society of America, please view the information and video below.
About Huntington's Disease: Huntington's Disease is an inherited, progressively degenerative brain disorder. Current estimates are that 1 in every 10,000 people in the U.S. have HD. The disease however effects many more through the ripple effect throughout families. Typically, symptoms appear between age 30 and 50. However, cases have been noted as early as 2 and as late as 80. The first symptoms usually appear slowly and can vary from person to person. Early symptoms include involuntary movements of the body and limbs and marked personality changes. Over a period of 10-25 years the ability to think, to speak and to walk is greatly diminished in persons with HD. About ten percent of the HD cases will be juvenile striking at a very early age and progressing very rapidly.
At present, there is no cure. However, modern medicine has provided many drug treatments that help improve the quality of life for those with HD. HD affects all sexes, races, ethnic groups, and ages. Each child of an affected parent with HD has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the gene. If a person carries the gene eventually they will develop HD.
About the Huntington's Disease Society of America, Western Pennsylvania Chapter: The Western Pennsylvania Chapter works locally to fulfill the mission of The Huntington's Disease Society of America by promoting and supporting research to find a cure for HD, helping people and families affected by the disease, and educating the public and health care professionals about HD. The chapter hosts a monthly support group for both people with HD and families affected by HD.