Case Study: Heather Alimossy

Heather Alimossy is 19 years old, and she has been diagnosed with Huntington's disease. Her mom and brother have this disease, and it is strongly hereditary. If you have a parent as carrier, then you have a 50% chance of being diagnosed with the disease. She is a caregiver to her mom, she loves riding dirt bikes, and she is pursuing a Master's degree. Huntington's disease is characterized by deterioration of nerve cells and basal ganglia. There will be physical and cognitive deficits. Since she has experienced the effects of Huntington's in her family, and she knows she is destined to walk the same road, she is trying to fight the symptoms now! She doesn't want to wait. So, OT will work with her to battle, enjoy, and embrace each day.