The Casa Hogar, located on the shores of Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela, is a medical care clinic developed exclusively for people affected by HD. Venezuela has one of the largest known multigenerational families affected by HD. These families have been particularly instrumental in helping researchers from the Hereditary Disease Foundation (HDF) uncover breakthrough information on the disease.
In 1983, investigators found a DNA marker that narrowed the region of the gene, and in 1993 they isolated the specific HD gene itself. This breakthrough discovery led the way for HD research around the world. While scientists work to find a cure for HD, the discovery of the HD gene has paved the way for new research opportunities and has enabled genetic testing.
In gratitude for the families’ contributions, the HDF worked with local Venezuelan authorities to build the Casa Hogar over a ten-year period. Opened in 1999, the clinic is now home to more than 65 people and provides care and food to many more from the surrounding community.
Lundbeck developed the Build Hope for HD donation campaign in partnership with the HDF to provide support and give back to this Venezuelan community. The web-based initiative, held for a specific amount of time each year, encourages individuals to visit www.BuildHopeForHD.com and click on the campaign icon. Each click, during the campaign, triggers Lundbeck to make a $10 donation to the Casa Hogar. More than 1,000 clicks have been counted during each of the last two campaigns, and in 2011, Lundbeck also offered a matching grant program to augment any individual donations.
Lundbeck’s donation helps provide necessary food and supplies for the clinic while also covering salaries of those providing care. Unfortunately, the Casa Hogar struggles to obtain necessary funds each year. If you are interested in doing more for the Casa Hogar, you are invited to make contributions towards the HDFfor the Casa Hogar at www.hdfoundation.org.
The Casa Hogar Amor y Fe (House of Love and Hope) is located off the shores of Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela. Photo provided by the Hereditary Disease Foundation.
