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 AUCKLAND NORTHLAND NEWS

 The New Year has started speedily but with unseasonal weather.  But the Auckland Committees are busy with the huge task of locating sustainable funding for the organisation and its service costs.  Please if you have suggestions and contacts for fund raising, donations or bequests let us know.

 Like all family trees our HD families’ trees are branching out and we get to know an increasing number of people seeking advice:  about their gene status, genetic testing, life issues, onset of changes, job skills, income options, symptom causes, self management and likely future of disease development.  For example we heard of a 65+ person being diagnosed – with no known family history.  As well as two generations direct descendants, there are a numerous siblings and their descendants who may be needing our services.

 The good news is that Jo and I are able to keep our time flexible enough to respond quickly, so do not hesitate to contact us.  You know the adage: to get something done, ask a busy person!!  We have increased our networking within the changing health and disability support services.  BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT SERVICES WE PROVIDE ARE THROUGH HOME VISITS (or café appointments) with family members and individuals. 

 Other good news is that the Association has been strengthening our links with Professor Richard Faull’s research team, Dr Richard Roxburgh (neurologist) of the Movement Disorder Clinic, Dr Greg Finucane (liaison psychiatrist) Auckland Region, Drs Marie Israel & Marion Gray of  Counties-Manukau Health, and the Genetic Associates of the Northern Regional Genetic Services.  

 We wish you continued hope and positive developments throughout the year.

 Beth Gordon and Jo Dysart

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WAIKATO NEWS                

 Our HD support group Xmas social event to the local indoor bowling facility was so popular that we are going to think about holding another one in the middle of the year. It provided a relaxed venue where HD clients, carers and extended whanau could socialise and share, around a fun activity enjoyed by those of all ages and abilities.

 Our first HD support group meeting for this year was well attended with 10 people being present. We were able to find a spot outside under some trees, which provided welcome relief from the oppressive heat of the Waikato summer. The group is going to continue with bimonthly meetings, and for speakers this year we hope to include

 - a counsellor to talk about ways of caring for ourselves in times of stress  

- a medic/paramedic to talk about the various medications available for HD and how best to manage

  when side effects are proving problematic,

- an Occupational therapist

- a Speech and Language therapist

 There was quite a lot of interest in the Caring for the Carers 2005 summit to be held in Wellington in March, and so a number of our members have been entered into the draw for a free ticket, and we are hoping someone will be able to attend.

 We will also be restarting our carer support morning coffee group in early March.

WELLINGTON NEWS

 Happy New Year to you all. The Wellington Association is preparing for a busy and exciting year with the Youth Camp in April and the National Conference in October. The Wellington Association will host a workshop for the chairpersons and social workers/fieldworkers from Christchurch, Auckland and our own organization. This is the second such meeting and it will provide an excellent opportunity to share ideas and discuss issues of mutual interest.

 We are pleased to announce that the book "Huntington's and Me - A Guide for Young People" which the Association first published in 2000 is to be translated into Norwegian and published in Norway. The book has already been translated into French and published in Belgium as well as being translated and published in Denmark.

 Our support groups in Wanganui, Hawkes Bay and Gisborne are meeting again this year and we look forward to hearing from anyone who may wish for a support group to be set up in their area. The Wellington swimming group continues to meet every second Wednesday at the heated pool at Hutt Hospital followed by a shared lunch.

 We look forward to meeting as many of you as possible this year and we hope to receive your ideas and thoughts on services and activities you would like in your area.

 Best wishes,

 Dorothy Tortell

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CHRISTCHURCH REGIONAL NEWS

 HD Christchurch held a successful BBQ early December. About 30 people enjoyed the company and exchanging news with each other and Ashley's whitebait patties hit the mark! There is always room for more people to attend and the BBQ is a good chance for people to meet other members of the Association. Always feel free to phone Shirley, Judith or myself (our phone numbers are on the back of this magazine) so that you are not arriving 'cold' to an event.

 We usually have our picnic in March, but due to a very heavy discussion load at our last meeting, the decision re date etc., for the picnic is being held over till next meeting.

 In a few weeks you will be getting a letter advising of the AGM and also of the 'quiz' evening mentioned in December's issue. Subs are due at AGM time and your support of the quiz evening is asked for. The funds from this go towards the National Conference in October, which is always popular with people from the South. We wish Wellington well with the organisation of this big event.

 The Committee struggle to fill venues for fundraising events we have. The week before the movies we are ‘sweating blood’ to ensure we make a return rather than break even. We persevere because the results are for the benefit of all Association members. You may not need the services of Shirley (Field Worker) at present, but the funds from these events also cover Christchurch's portion of the Huntington's News and also our portion towards the Young People's camp. If each family on our address list sent two people to each event it would be so worthwhile.

 The International Huntington's Conference is in September this year at Manchester. Shirley Ward is our delegate to this and will be able to report back to our own Conference in Wellington in October.

 Shirley has been working very hard the past few months and has received funding to start a 'focus group'. What this really means is social outings for people with Huntington's symptoms (no matter how early). It could include going to movies, out for coffee/chat, hydro-therapy (a long-winded way to say 'fun in the pool - in a warm, safe environment for people with HD'). For more info give Shirley a call on 981-0523, the same goes for anyone wanting to assist on these occasions.

 We will be sending you notification of the Quiz evening and the AGM, mark those dates on your calendars and SEE YOU THERE.

 Louise Boyle, Chairperson, Ch