FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Christopher Cosentino
Director, Marketing & Communications
(212) 242-1968 ext. 229
ccosentino@hdsa.org
New York, NY, December 1, 2016 – The Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) will begin a program that will provide 1,000 free Liftware LevelTM starter kits to HD families in need. Devices will be given to people with HD currently suffering with mild to moderate chorea on a first come, first serve basis. Requests can be submitted through the HDSA website at HDSA.org/Liftware. This program is made possible by a charitable donation from Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd.
“HDSA is thankful to Teva for providing the necessary support which allows us to distribute this valuable resource to HD families in need,” said Louise Vetter, HDSA CEO. “Liftware’s innovative product will make a significant impact on the quality of life of people with HD suffering from chorea.”
Verily Life Sciences LLC (formerly Google Life Sciences), an Alphabet company, today announced the commercial launch of its second consumer product, the Liftware LevelTM, designed to help individuals with limited hand and arm mobility hold a utensil at the angle needed to easily feed themselves.
Liftware LevelTM was created to help people with significantly limited hand and arm mobility associated with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, post stroke deficits and Huntington’s disease. The restricted range of motion associated with these conditions may make it difficult to keep a utensil level while eating. Using sophisticated technology, the Liftware LevelTM handle, combined with a spoon or fork attachment, is able to recognize the position of the hand at all times and intelligently adjust the angle of the utensil so users can eat without fear of spilling.
Huntington’s disease is a fatal genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It deteriorates a person’s physical and mental abilities during their prime working years and has no cure. Each child of a parent with HD has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene that causes Huntington’s disease. Today, there are approximately 30,000 symptomatic Americans and more than 200,000 at-risk of inheriting the disease. The symptoms of Huntington’s disease are described as having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s – simultaneously.
The Huntington’s Disease Society of America is the premier nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by HD. From community services and education to advocacy and research, HDSA is the world’s leader in providing help for today and hope for tomorrow for people with HD and their families.
To learn more about Huntington’s disease and the work of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, visit www.hdsa.org or call 1(800)345-HDSA.
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