Gerlein Schoonover wears a necklace pendant that holds a photo of her infant grandson, whom she recently found out carries the gene for Huntington’s Disease. On Wednesday, she made it a point to talk to students who passed by her booth about the disease, which she knows a lot about.
Two of her four children have died from the disease.
Schoonover, a San Antonio Huntington’s Disease Support Group volunteer, worked to educate students about the disease Oct. 28 at the Health and Wellness Fair in the Central Academic Building.
“It’s not as rare as you think. It is sometimes misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s disease or schizophrenia,” Schoonover said.
Anyone can have Huntington’s Disease and not know it.
Huntington’s Disease is a genetic disorder that causes brain cells to die, resulting in loss of mental faculties and physical control.
Schoonover’s organization was one of 16 vendors that set up shop on the first floor of CAB, educating passersby on the importance of good health practices.
Vendors presented everything from immunizations and gym memberships to identity theft services.
University admissions specialist Miriam Magdaleno took time out of her work schedule to have a finger prick of blood tested for diabetes and kidney function by Texas Kidney Check volunteer Joseph Myers.
Myers gave Magdaleno her results, then advised her to drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet. “You can do that,” he said.
Counseling and Wellness, the Campus Activities Board, Recreation Sports and the Office of Student Activities sponsored the Health and Wellness Fair.
