Bringing Hope to Life
for families touched by genetic diseases
We’re lifting up the voices of families affected by Huntington’s disease who found hope through preimplantation genetic testing. While there is no cure for Huntington’s disease (HD), there is a way to prevent the gene that causes HD from being passed to the next generation.
HelpCureHD aims to help improve the quality of life for those affected by Huntington’s disease by contributing financial, emotional, and mental support while trying to find the cure.
What is preimplantation genetic testing?
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is a way to screen embryos for genetic differences before they are transferred to a uterus as part of in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Unlike first-trimester prenatal screening, which is usually conducted 10-13 weeks into a pregnancy, PGT takes place immediately after fertilization.
If you have a family history of inherited genetic disorders such as Huntington’s disease, you may be a good candidate for IVF with PGT-M. This specialized type of PGT screens for genetic variants that only affect a single gene (the “M” stands for monogenic). Because Huntington’s disease is caused by a mutation in the HD gene, which has a 50% chance of being passed to the next generation, PGT-M is an extremely effective way to determine which IVF-created embryos are HD-free. This pre-screening sets you on a good path toward a more-informed, less-stressful, and lower-risk pregnancy.
Think PGT might be right for you? Start a conversation with your reproductive endocrinologist.
What is preimplantation genetic testing?
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is a way to screen embryos for genetic differences before they are transferred to a uterus as part of in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Unlike first-trimester prenatal screening, which is usually conducted 10-13 weeks into a pregnancy, PGT takes place immediately after fertilization.
If you have a family history of inherited genetic disorders such as Huntington’s disease, you may be a good candidate for IVF with PGT-M. This specialized type of PGT screens for genetic variants that only affect a single gene (the “M” stands for monogenic). Because Huntington’s disease is caused by a mutation in the HD gene, which has a 50% chance of being passed to the next generation, PGT-M is an extremely effective way to determine which IVF-created embryos are HD-free. This pre-screening sets you on a good path toward a more-informed, less-stressful, and lower-risk pregnancy.
Think PGT might be right for you? Start a conversation with your reproductive endocrinologist.
Four Questions to Ask Your Doctor about PGT.
It’s not just that your kids don’t have Huntington’s. Their kids will never have Huntington’s… We’re eradicating a disease one family at a time.
- Allie Laforce
It’s not just that your kids don’t have Huntington’s. Their kids will never have Huntington’s… We’re eradicating a disease one family at a time.
– Allie Laforce
How PGT helps build HD-free families.
After losing his mother and grandmother to HD, Joe Smith decided that the best path for starting a family with his wife, Allie Laforce, was through IVF with PGT. As an all-star couple — Joe is a Major League pitcher and Allie is a sports reporter — they had the financial means to undergo multiple IVF cycles including PGT. But they know this option is not accessible to everyone.
They founded HelpCureHD to help others affected by Huntington’s disease build their families without the risk of passing down the gene mutation that causes HD. Through its grants, HelpCureHD has helped bring more than 20 HD-free babies into the world. And in November 2022, Allie and Joe achieved their own dream when their son Jacob was born HD-free.
Voices of Hope
Hear from two families who have chosen IVF with PGT-M.
Melanie's Story
Yvette's Story
Melanie's Story
Yvette's Story
IVF with PGT is a great option for aspiring parents with a higher risk of genetic conditions. In fact, it’s considered a standard of care at Prelude Network clinics.
Schedule a free 15-minute consult to learn more about the fertility treatment options available and connect with a physician in your area.