Davenport Times, 9/13/07

Walk for Huntington’s disease brings man back to Davenport

By Mark Smith

The 71-year-old Auburn, Wash., man accompanied in a support vehicle by his wife, Loretta, was in Davenport on Wednesday for the fourth time since 1998, walking for a cause – this time, to raise awareness for the Huntington’s Disease Society of America.

Previously, he’s walked on behalf of Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis. His causes have brought him through Davenport on the way from Seattle to New York City in 2001. He visited Davenport most recently in 2005, appearing in every county seat in Washington for Alzheimer’s.

After getting some dinner and a shower at Black Bear Motel, which has given the Stevensons complimentary lodging on their visits, they made an appearance at that evening’s city council meeting, where Don explained his mission and then gave city officials a rare treat.

He serenaded them with a song that included these words: “If I can help somebody as I pass along … my living will not be in vain.”

Addressing the council, he explained that Huntington’s disease, originating from an infected gene that is passed along through family heritage, is a vicious combination of Alzheimer’s, MS and insanity.

The walk is designed to raise both awareness and funds to help battle the disease. Donors can contribute by calling (206) 235-5871, logging on to www.firstgiving.com/10kmilewalk or writing HD Society of America (Code #070TH03), P.O. Box 33345, Seattle, WA 98133.