The Houston Astros recently clinched the American League West, marking a significant achievement for pitcher Joe Smith.
However, this triumph is just one of the many reasons for celebration for Smith and his wife, TNT basketball broadcaster Allie LaForce. Their charity, HelpCureHD, is giving 24 families the opportunity to have healthy babies, free from Huntington’s disease (HD).
HelpCureHD: A Mission of Compassion
HelpCureHD, founded by Allie LaForce and her husband Joe Smith, supports families impacted by Huntington’s disease, a devastating hereditary neurodegenerative disorder. Smith’s mother battles this condition, which inspired the couple to help others avoid the same fate.
They chose in vitro fertilization with genetic testing to prevent passing the HD gene to their children. Recognizing the financial burden of this procedure, the couple aimed to make it accessible to more families.
Making a Difference: Funding IVF Treatments
In a heartwarming announcement, LaForce shared that all 24 families who applied for assistance through HelpCureHD will receive the treatment for free.
The process, known as preimplantation genetic diagnosis with in vitro fertilization (PGD-IVF), typically costs between $35,000 and $40,000. However, partnerships with the Cleveland Clinic and the Houston Fertility Institute have helped reduce these costs.
LaForce expressed her joy on Instagram, stating, “Joe and I are overwhelmed with hope and joy that we were able to fund ALL 24 families that applied through HelpCureHD.com to have HD-Free babies!! Here are some of the precious moments when our brave families found out.”
The Personal Battle Against Huntington’s Disease
Joe Smith’s mother, Lee, was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease in 2012. This disorder affects movement, cognitive abilities, and psychiatric health. Often described as a combination of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, HD has no cure, and those with a parent affected by it have a 50% chance of inheriting the condition. Symptoms usually appear between ages 30 and 50.
Smith and LaForce decided to pursue IVF to ensure their children would not inherit the HD gene. “We have shifted our focus to IVF because I believe it is a cure,” Smith told The Post. “There’s nothing close right now that will take the [Huntington’s Disease] gene out or get rid of it completely.”
Celebrating New Life and Hope
The couple’s journey to parenthood also brought them good news. After a recent round of PGD-IVF, five healthy embryos reached maturation, offering hope for a healthy pregnancy. “We will be praying, and ask for your prayers as well, that all 5 make it back healthy and ready to transfer,” LaForce shared on Instagram.
Balancing Careers and Advocacy
As the World Series Game 1 and NBA’s opening night coincided, LaForce juggled her responsibilities as a Turner Sports reporter. She covered the Lakers-Clippers game in Los Angeles, then traveled to San Francisco for another game. Despite her busy schedule, LaForce remains dedicated to their cause, hosting events and raising funds.
At the recent HelpCureHD fundraiser at Minute Maid Park, the couple celebrated raising over half a million dollars. The funds are earmarked for HD research and grants for PGD-IVF treatments. To date, 18 HD-free babies have been born through their foundation, with seven more families, including the Smiths, expecting HD-free children.
Community Support and Future Plans
The couple’s efforts have garnered significant support from the Houston community, including Astros owner Jim Crane and players like Kyle Tucker and Ryan Pressly. Their commitment to expanding HelpCureHD’s reach includes planned fundraisers in California, Florida, and Ohio.
Allie LaForce and Joe Smith’s dedication to helping families affected by Huntington’s disease showcases their compassion and resilience. Their work through HelpCureHD not only offers hope to many but also sets a powerful example of how personal challenges can inspire profound change.
Allie LaForce and her husband Joe Smith’s journey is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and community support. Through their efforts, they are making a lasting impact on the lives of families affected by Huntington’s disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is HelpCureHD?
HelpCureHD is a charity founded by Allie LaForce and her husband Joe Smith. It supports families affected by Huntington’s disease by providing financial assistance for PGD-IVF treatments to prevent passing the HD gene to future generations.
2. How does PGD-IVF work?
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis with in vitro fertilization (PGD-IVF) involves testing embryos for genetic disorders before implantation. This process helps ensure that only healthy embryos are transferred, reducing the risk of passing genetic diseases to children.
3. Why did Allie LaForce and Joe Smith start HelpCureHD?
The couple started HelpCureHD after Smith’s mother was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease. They wanted to help other families avoid the same fate and make genetic testing and IVF more accessible to those at risk.
4. How has HelpCureHD impacted families?
HelpCureHD has funded IVF treatments for 24 families, enabling them to have children free from Huntington’s disease. The organization has also raised significant funds for HD research and support.
5. What future plans do Allie LaForce and Joe Smith have for HelpCureHD?
The couple plans to expand HelpCureHD’s reach with fundraisers in California, Florida, and Ohio. They aim to continue supporting families and advancing research to find a cure for Huntington’s disease.