HD Gratitude Day with Jimmy Pollard

Jimmy Pollard joined me to talk about HD Gratitude Day on 3/23/2025. 

Recognizing Huntington’s Gratitude Day

What? A social media event recognizing the unique partnership between families and scientists working together towards an effective treatment, or “cure,” for HD on March 23rd, the anniversary of the discovery of the gene.It spotlights the contributions to that milestone achievement of impoverished families living with HD in Venezuela. They contributed their DNA to scientists of the U.S.-Venezuela Collaborative Research Project, led by Nancy Wexler, beginning in 1979.Families thank scientists all the time. Scientists thank families every chance they get. Together on Gratitude Day, we all appreciate our partnership together.
Why? There are several reasons to mark Gratitude Day:· In many ways our partnership is unique in all of Science.· The partnership is the foundation of all we have achieved to date.· From CAG counts, to genetic testing and gene-free babies, to clinical trials, our partnership has already changed the experience of living with HD.· The promising conclusion to the great quest for a “cure” will come from our partnership.· Our partnership will be strengthened by collectively setting aside a day to appreciate and recognize it.· As an initiative launched by Factor-H, we acknowledge the contributions of those original Venezuelan families who remain living in extreme poverty and our work to serve them.
When? March 23rd. In the greater community of families and scientists, the “gene find” is the most recognized date of the year.In 1993, on the next day, the New York Times front page reported:“After 10 backbreaking years in a research purgatoryof false leads, failed experiments and long stretches ofmordant despair, an international team of scientists saysit has discovered the most coveted treasure in molecularbiology, the gene behind Huntington’s disease.”It’s fitting that we continue marking this anniversary date to celebrate the essential element of our past achievements, as well as those which are to come.
What? H-Hands The “H-Hands” sign is our symbol. It’s made by joining your hands together in the common “heart hands” sign, then extending your index or “pointer” fingers, creating an “H.” It represents both the elements of Factor-H and our community at large. It’s used to show your participation in Gratitude Day.
Join us! You can participate yourself, as a family or friend, or with your office colleagues, lab staff, bench mates or any other team making the H-Hands sign:·
Post a personal message, video, or photo on any social media platform as early as Monday March 17th.· It’s about recognizing our unique partnership!· We encourage you to use the logo and “H-Hands.”· Last year, people posed in their offices, labs, next to their MRI machines, and outside corporate offices, hospitals, or buildings with their entire team making H-Hands. Families and friends posted their closeups, in kitchens, and on couches.· Poems, songs, signs, stories…we encourage you!· Spread the word among your colleagues!·
Use #HDGratitudeDay to share it. Factor-H This small band of volunteers loosely organizing Gratitude Day ask you to support Factor-H, our charity serving the descendants of those original family partners still living in extreme poverty in Venezuela. You can learn more about them, our work and donate at www.Factor-H.org.
More info? Thanks to hundreds of scientists and families who participated last year. It’s viral so it’s difficult to thank you all individually.


Questions, more information and help? Please contact any one of us who are organizing it: Asuncion Martinez [e-mail], Cristina Ferreira [e-mail] Jimmy Pollard [e-mail]