Attention all HDSA youth ages 9 years old to 29 years old.
The first meeting of the “Illinois HDSA Youth Group” took place
Sunday, September 19, 2004 at the River Walk Park in Naperville, a southwestern
suburb of Chicago. Chapter members and our youth had commented on the need for
a program aimed at their needs, and the present time seems right to get started.
The weather was perfect and four ‘younger people’ (names withheld
for confidentiality) and two facilitators, Susie Leck and Steve Clingerman,
had a ‘bite of lunch’ together while sharing and talking about many
wide-ranging HD and non-HD issues. The group decided to meet monthly, and we
wanted to “spread the word” by getting an announcement in this newsletter.
Lots of ideas were discussed for future activities including camping, holiday
parties, bowling, and just having ‘get-togethers’ to talk. Future
meetings will be announced in the quarterly newsletter. Until then, call Susie
or Steve for details (numbers below).
Susie Leck is a co-facilitator of the national organization for youth affected
by HD, the National Youth Alliance or NYA, that began with 5 persons in 2000
and four years later, now is over 100 strong. Applications for the National
Youth Alliance were handed out, and the ages used by the National Youth Alliance,
generally inviting ages 9 – 29 years old, made sense to the Illinois group
and will be used. The facilitators are just that, helpers or assistants more
than leaders. This is your group and the group members are essentially making
the key decisions. We need a name for our group and need the help of our younger
people. Come to the next meeting and bring your ideas for the name of our group!
Please call Steve Clingerman (847-221-2946) or Susie Leck (630-717-5863) for
details. Susie Leck, who helped develop the National Youth Alliance (NYA) and
Steve Clingerman, Ph.D., Vice-President of the Illinois Chapter and neuropsychologist
at Stroger Cook County Hospital are the co-facilitators.
Created and maintained by Renette Davis. Send comments to Renette by clicking here.
Created: Nov. 6, 2004
Last updated: Nov. 15, 2010