About Us

Who We Are

President- Karie Irwin

Vice President- Dave Irwin

Secretary- Kara Paris

Treasurer- Laura Ciriello-Benedict

About Stop HD

Stop HD was founded by a group of good friends that wanted to change the face and awareness of Huntington’s Disease in their community. Little did they know they were beginning an organization that would do more than change their community but expand across the nation.

Karie Irwin and Laura Ciriello-Benedict grew up in Beech Grove, Indiana where they lived next door to one another and were best friends. Karie’s mom, Nancy, was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease in 1982 when Karie and Laura were only 8 years old. They saw the struggles and sadness of the disease at a very young age.

Sadly, in 1998, Nancy Irwin lost her battle with Huntington’s Disease but her memory lives on thanks to the members and volunteers of Stop HD. Karie's brother Sean was diagnosed with HD in 2003. He recently lost his battle with Huntington's Disease on December 5th, 2009. Please keep his family in your prayers during this most difficult time. We hope you will continue to support our cause and fight with us to StopHD.

Huntington's Disease is a hereitary disease that can wipe out an entire family. Medical researchers continue to make tremendous strides in finding a cure. Our goal at StopHD is to continue to educate as many people through our fundraising events, media outlets and support groups and to continue to raise money that will aid in the medical research process. "Together We Can STOPHD".

From Karie Irwin:

Dear Friend,

I am proud to be the daughter of Nancy L. Irwin. My mother lost her courageous 16 year battle with Huntington's Disease on Christmas Eve, 1998.

My brother Sean, who was diagnosed with HD in 2003, recently lost his battle and passed away on December 5th, 2009. Like my mother, Sean displayed great strength and courage throughout his fight, and continued to live his life each and every day with dignity.

I am at risk for H.D. and pray everyday that the future is bright… not only for me, but for my daughter and my niece.

I am so blessed to have so many caring friends and family that continue to help grow this cause each and every year. I would be honored if you could join us in the fight to find a cure for this devastating disease. We have made great strides in educating and raising money for medical research in hopes of one day finding a cure.

Your strength and courage will help the community see that H.D. is real and affects real families like mine.

With Sincere Appreciation,

Karie Irwin

"Together WE can STOPHD!"

Huntington's Disease