(Radio Iowa) – Walks to bring awareness to a rare degenerative disease were held in five Iowa cities over the weekend. Huntington’s disease is a genetic brain disorder that causes progressive nerve cell breakdown, which brings a decline in physical and mental abilities. Angie Conley, who lives in Polk City, helped to organize Saturday’s walk in Le Mars.

If someone’s parent has Huntington’s, they have a 50% chance of inheriting the deadly disease. Conley says it’s like having Alzheimer’s, A-L-S and Parkinson’s all at once.

Huntingtons Walk in Le Mars (Photo courtesy Katie Wess)

The Conley family is taking part in a research project with the Center for Excellence at the University of Iowa. Money raised during the walks will help with the development of a treatment, and research in finding a cure. Angie’s daughter, Emma Conley, was pleased the Le Mars walk raised a few thousand dollars.

Other walks took place in Des Moines, Dubuque, Iowa City and Indianola. For more information about Huntington’s Disease, visit: hdsa.org.