Sister thanks Linton community, asks for support for walk

To the Editor:

In December of 2006, my sister, Karen Cox, moved from Indianapolis to Linton. Karen was extremely nervous about the move for several reasons.

First of all, she had lived in Indianapolis for practically all of her 44 years. Secondly, she suffers from Huntington's Disease (HD). HD is an inherited, progressively degenerative brain disorder. She inherited it from our mother who died in 1990 due to complications from Huntington's. Thirdly, Karen didn't want to move away from Indianapolis. She didn't really have a choice. Our father who was her primary care giver has Alzheimer's Disease and became unable to care for Karen. Therefore, I moved her here so I could take care of her.

However, I couldn't have done this on my own. Many people have made Karen's transition a lot easier and I would like to publicly thank them.

First and foremost, my husband, Charlie, and children, Austin and Brianne, have given me immeasurable amount of support and help in caring for my sister. Linda Swango at Ridge Medical Center, Dr. Kevin Fischer DDS and staff, Crystal Woods at the Glenburn Community Center and staff, and Lee Mason at Meadow Brook Apartments have all been extremely helpful.

I would also like to thank the many friends who have prayed for Karen's well-being in her battle with HD and who have helped me get her to appointments and run errands for her. All of you have been wonderful and I am truly thankful for your kindness.

Currently, there is no cure for Huntington's Disease. I am participating in the Nancy L. Irwin Memorial Walk for a Cure on Sept. 29 in Indianapolis. All funds raised benefit Huntington's Disease research. If you are able and would like to donate to this cause, you can send donations to me at 13 Westview Estates, Linton, Ind., 47441. If you would like to learn more about the disease or the walk, you can visit www.stophd.org.

Checks should be made out to: HDSA Indiana Chapter.

Thanks again to everyone who has made Karen feel welcomed in Linton and for showing her what a wonderful town Linton is.

Kathy Karazsia

Linton