Local Ladies Hit the Road for Huntington's Disease No knitting afghans for these ladies, they are hitting the road on their biks. Their goal? To complete their tenth ride to Pittsburgh, PA to raise funds and awareness for local familes who deal with Huntington's Disease. Marie Nemec (64) and Charlotte Reicks (72) head out May 17 for Pittsburgh, PA. the site of the Huntington's Disease Society of America's (HDSA) national convention this year. The HDSA was founded by Margie Guthrie in 1967, widow of Woody Guthrie, who died from HD. HD is caused by a defective gene which causes the gradual deterioration of brain cells over 15-20 years, with gradual loss of motor and cognitive functions. About 1 in 100,000 Americans have this disease. The onset of symptoms usually occur in mid-life but can occur in children and seniors as sell. This year's ride will take Nemec and Reicks across Missouri, Illionois, Indiana, Ohio, and into Pennsylvania. Previous rides have included two coast-to-coast rides, with more than 16,000 miles accumulated through 39 states. As a result of these rides, Americans have donated more than $400,000 to HD for research and family care There are three ways you may contribute to HD: 1. Cash contributions may be made to a secured web site at www.firstgiving.com/bikeforcure 2. checks made out to HDSA may be mailed to: Marie Nemec 3087 A 1/2 Road Grand Junction, CO. 3. Call Marie at 434-8323 to order a T-shirt specially designed for the trip. All funds go to HDSA; none are used for the expenses of the trip. Churches of all denominations, HD families, friends, and even strangers have taken these ladies infor overnight stays and meals. Send "Bike for the Cure" website feedback to: Ron Nemec © 2008 Bike For the Cure, all rights reserved. Site created by Jennifer Hickok