Hope over High Tea 4 HD: Brea and Leeanne’s Story
After receiving her Huntington’s disease diagnosis, 18-year-old Brea teamed up with her grandmother Leeanne to host their first High Tea 4 HD in Adelaide, SA.
When Brea and her grandmother Leeanne decided to host a High Tea 4 HD, they kept things simple but meaningful. It wasn’t about fancy teacups — it was about raising awareness and funds for Huntington’s disease, something that has deeply impacted their family.
“I’m nearly 19. I’ve basically lived my whole life playing sports like netball and swimming and I’ve always loved the hard subjects like biology and physics,” Brea shares.
“I’ve got plans to travel, and I’m hoping to work in a lab one day.”
But this chapter of Brea’s life looks a little different. In her final year of high school, she decided to get tested for Huntington’s disease after her older sister went through the same process.
“When I found out I had HD, it was hard. But I’d rather know than not know,” she says. “It’s been in our family for generations—my mum, my grandfather. I wanted to be prepared.”
Brea’s mum, who was diagnosed in her 30s, now lives in full-time care, with advanced symptoms. Watching her mum’s condition has shaped how Brea sees her future.
“I want to live while I can. I want to be a voice for Mum and others like her.”
And so together with her grandmum, Leeanne, they did exactly that.
After Brea’s diagnosis, Leeanne – who works as a nurse and health educator – found the High Tea 4 HD campaign on Huntington’s Australia’s website and suggested they do something together.
“We hosted it at our local church café, and I was blown away by everyone’s generosity. People paid to attend, brought meals, and donated prizes for raffles. A local business owner even donated food and drinks. Everyone just pitched in,” Leeanne shares.
The community came together generously, and between ticket sales, raffles and donations, they raised nearly $3,000 for Huntington’s Australia.
“It turned out better than I expected,” Brea says. “It felt good to put my energy into something positive.”
The day was full of connection and support—and left Leeanne feeling hopeful.
“I’m so proud of Brea. The way she’s handling this is brave, strong and courageous. I pray for a miracle and a cure—that her diagnosis isn’t the end of her story, but just the beginning,” Leanne adds.
The pair hope to hold another event in the future. For now, they’re proud to have taken that first step.
Thinking of hosting your own High Tea 4 HD?
Take it from Brea and Leeanne – start where you are, use what you have and lean on your community. Learn how you can get involved today.
