Brewing hope with High Tea 4 HD
When Tanya was just 20, she was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease — the same condition that claimed her mum’s life. Now 45, Tanya speaks openly about the challenges she’s faced, but more importantly, about the people who keep her positive.
“My kids and my family, they’re beautiful. And so are my friends and circle of support. They’re the ones keeping me going every day,” Tanya shares.
Her husband, Shane, shares that while Tanya no longer drives and relies on support workers, she has found strength in her close circle of friends, extended family, and support groups from Huntington’s Australia.
Despite the challenges, Shane and Tanya are raising two children, busy with school and activities.
“It’s a lively household,” Shane laughs. “We get lots of support from family and friends, especially for getting the kids where they need to go.
When they received a High Tea 4 HD fundraising kit from Huntington’s Australia, it sparked something in Tanya.
“She said, ‘I want to host a high tea.’ At first, I thought it’d be just a few people around our dining table with a box of biscuits,” Shane smiles. “But then she started writing a guest list that grew quite quickly.”
On May 17, nearly 30 guests gathered at the Glen Hotel, Brisbane to support their cause — friends, family, and community members coming together in a beautiful show of solidarity. The event raised over $3,300, all of which will go directly to Huntington’s Australia.
Tanya wore a bright pink dress, smiling and enjoying the afternoon surrounded by laughter and warm conversation.
For Shane, the most touching part has been seeing their community come together.
“It was wonderful to see friends, family, even work contacts, get behind Tanya and support something that really matters to us. If this is successful, maybe we can do something a little bigger next year.”
While there’s no cure yet for Huntington’s disease, Shane holds onto hope. “We do our best to manage. Tanya and I have been together for 18 years, and I just want her to get the most out of life while she can.”
Support, he says, makes all the difference.
“Seeing Tanya so happy with everyone there was the best part. We talked about how Huntington’s has impacted our life, and having that support was powerful.”
Fundraising with Huntington’s Australia is simple. Learn more about how you can get involved.
