Meet the 2026 HDSA Washington Team Hope Walk Ambassador: Jessica Mary Clift
The Board of the HDSA Washington Chapter is please to announce the AMBASSADOR of the Team Hope Walk. Her name is Jessica Clift, the daughter of our HONOREE, Jack Clift. Please read her HD story below:
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In 2016, my dad was diagnosed with Huntington's disease. From that moment on, I hit the ground running, searching for every resource I could find. I connected with local support groups, joined the HDSA Washington Chapter, became an ally, and dedicated myself to learning everything I could about this devastating disease.
I enrolled both my dad and me in Enroll-HD and took every opportunity to participate, volunteer, fundraise, advocate, and raise awareness for the Huntington's disease community.
Then, on August 16, 2024, I sat down with a genetic counselor and received life-changing news: I had tested negative for Huntington's disease.
It was one of the most emotional moments of my life. I was given a future I wasn't sure I would have.
On October 13, 2025, my dad gained his angel wings. He was my hero, my world, and my reason for fighting. Even in passing, my dad continued to give. As a brain donor, he made the selfless decision to contribute to Huntington's disease research, hoping his gift would help scientists better understand the disease and move us closer to a cure. I never imagined a life without my dad. And yet, here I am.
My negative test result did not end my connection to Huntington's disease. If anything, it deepened my commitment. It gave me an even greater responsibility to use my voice, my future, and my experiences to advocate for those who continue to live with uncertainty.
So I will continue.
I will continue to show up.
I will continue to advocate.
I will continue to raise awareness.
I will continue to fundraise and support research.
I will continue to fight for families impacted by Huntington's disease.
Because my dad's fight became my fight a long time ago.
For Dad. For our families. For a future without Huntington's disease.
I will keep fighting until we find a cure. ❤️
________________________________________
Join Jessica and families from across Washington at the 2026 HDSA Team Hope Walk as we come together to raise awareness, support one another, honor those impacted by Huntington's disease, and move closer to a world free of HD.
Register for the walk:
https://give.hdsa.org/event/2026-team-hope-walk-seattle-date-tbd/e723927
The Board of the HDSA Washington Chapter is please to announce the AMBASSADOR of the Team Hope Walk. Her name is Jessica Clift, the daughter of our HONOREE, Jack Clift. Please read her HD story below:
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
In 2016, my dad was diagnosed with Huntington's disease. From that moment on, I hit the ground running, searching for every resource I could find. I connected with local support groups, joined the HDSA Washington Chapter, became an ally, and dedicated myself to learning everything I could about this devastating disease.
I enrolled both my dad and me in Enroll-HD and took every opportunity to participate, volunteer, fundraise, advocate, and raise awareness for the Huntington's disease community.
Then, on August 16, 2024, I sat down with a genetic counselor and received life-changing news: I had tested negative for Huntington's disease.
It was one of the most emotional moments of my life. I was given a future I wasn't sure I would have.
On October 13, 2025, my dad gained his angel wings. He was my hero, my world, and my reason for fighting. Even in passing, my dad continued to give. As a brain donor, he made the selfless decision to contribute to Huntington's disease research, hoping his gift would help scientists better understand the disease and move us closer to a cure. I never imagined a life without my dad. And yet, here I am.
My negative test result did not end my connection to Huntington's disease. If anything, it deepened my commitment. It gave me an even greater responsibility to use my voice, my future, and my experiences to advocate for those who continue to live with uncertainty.
So I will continue.
I will continue to show up.
I will continue to advocate.
I will continue to raise awareness.
I will continue to fundraise and support research.
I will continue to fight for families impacted by Huntington's disease.
Because my dad's fight became my fight a long time ago.
For Dad. For our families. For a future without Huntington's disease.
I will keep fighting until we find a cure. ❤️
________________________________________
Join Jessica and families from across Washington at the 2026 HDSA Team Hope Walk as we come together to raise awareness, support one another, honor those impacted by Huntington's disease, and move closer to a world free of HD.
Register for the walk:
https://give.hdsa.org/event/2026-team-hope-walk-seattle-date-tbd/e723927