Melanie with Nick, her late brother

“If you thought that unbreakable family curses only happened in fairy tales, think again.”

The words of Melanie Pearson, author of ‘Somebody Up There Likes Me: Living With The Threat of Huntington’s Disease’ and the first guest speaker in a new series of Family Voices webinars hosted by the HD Alliance (SHA, HDA England and Wales, HDA Northern Ireland and HDA of Ireland).

All family members are invited to join us for what is sure to be an inspiring, uplifting and moving conversation on Monday, 16 May at 7pm.

Melanie will share her experiences of growing up in a family impacted by Huntington’s disease and explain why writing her first book was so important to her and for others.

“It’s my personal account of growing up in the shadow of a hereditary illness with no remission,” says Melanie.

“I wouldn’t wish Huntington’s on anyone but its impact on my mother and my brother Nick has shaped my family over the years and taught me so much about courage and finding happiness against all the odds. You also learn what’s truly important in life, which mostly boils down to love.

“Having grown up around family illness and worked in social care, it was still a shock to find myself looking after my brother when he became ill with an incurable disease – but also a great privilege. Writing my first book was a way of sharing this experience with love and humour, but also as a way of raising awareness of a little known condition.”

‘Somebody Up There Likes Me: Living With The Shadow of Huntington’s Disease’ has been met with five star reviews and acclaim by the HD community and beyond.

To find out more and to register for the webinar via the HDA England and Wales website, please visit