The National Youth Alliance is for any young person living with Huntington's Disease in their lives. The group offers each other support, encouragement, friendship and hope that they won't have to battle this disease anymore when they are older. The support, love and encouragement that these young people share with each other is phenomenal and is recommended for any young person with HD in their life!
The NYA members consist of a wide range of backgrounds and connections to HD. Some have tested positive or negative for the disease, some are still at risk and some have family with the HD, some have friends with HD and some are just general supporters for the HD community.
NYA Mission Statement
- To provide a support network for youth with Huntington's Disease in their lives.
- To bring attention and understanding of this disease from the community.
- To help in any way we can to become the last generation without HD.
Every member of the HDSA National Youth Alliance exists to support each other and fight to be the first generation WITHOUT Huntington's through education and awareness. As such, many will become future leaders of the HDSA chapters!
Since the inception of the NYA, HDSA has provided many resources and workshops geared to the young people living with HD at their national conventions. This special attention to the young people has helped increased awareness in the HD community that these children and young adults have a dire need for support from those that understand their special needs and issues.
NYA History
At the Huntington's Disease Society of America's Annual Convention in Orlando, FL. June 2000, a group of young children and young adults got together an established the National Youth Alliance. These young people have made it their mission to make theirs the LAST generation of Huntington's Disease! Thirty young people signed up to participate in NYA the first few weeks after the group was formed. Today there are over 300 members around the country!