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© Copyright by TheHuntingtonsPost.org. All rights reserved: 2012
By James Valvano - November 16, 2012
MANAGING EDITOR
James@TheHuntingtonsPost.org
Something quite interesting came across my web-browser just yesterday. In
my search to see how others advocate for their cause, I noticed something so
wonderful. In 2011 when I infused this concept within my advocacy, I did not
realize how many “The Faces of…” existed. I never gave it any thought, nor
did I truly comprehend that I was not alone in using its powerful meaning.
WeHaveAFace.org in 2011 to
spread international awareness
of Huntington's disease.

WeHaveAFace.org is the first
organization founded to increase
international awareness of
Huntington's disease through a
cinematic form. Founded in
March 2011, we merged with
Deshalamar.org of New York.  
Clarice Miller and Deon Leftenant
(founders of Deshalamar.org)
have been the driving effort and
support behind the success of
our project.  Together, we have
taken a multifaceted approach
toward advocacy.

> Read Mission

James Valvano is also the
creator of:

The first international mobile
application for Huntington's
disease: Help4HD

The first international magazine
for the Huntington's disease
community:
"The Faces of Huntington's
Disease" - The Magazine!
The first international newspaper for Huntington's disease!
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I continued my search and realized that there are so many variations and meanings behind the
usage of – “The Faces of,” and how awesome it is to be among the chain of its advocacy
mechanism.  The usage of this term has a presence and an impact within itself, which sheds light on
various communities.  They range from newspaper articles, to organizations, to YouTube
videos…the list goes on without end. Here are a few examples:

  • The Faces of Alzheimer’s [via: The New York Times – April 23, 2012 article]


  • American Diabetes Association: “The Many Faces of Diabetes in American Youth: Type 1 and
    Type 2 Diabetes in Five Race and Ethnic Populations: The SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth
    Study” [Via: Diabetes Care]



  • The Faces of Lupus [via: Lupus.org site]

  • TheseAreTheFacesofLupus.com

  • "Faces of Huntington's" [Book by: Carmen Leal-Pock]

  • Faces of Huntington's Library [via The HDSA site]

With all due respect to Nike [slogan: "Just Do It"], and McDonald's [slogan: "I'm Lovin' it"], advocacy
groups do not exisit to sell a marketing brand, but a deeply rooted meaning behind their existance.  
Do advocacy groups wish to "catch community attention" via phrases and the like?  Absolutely, but
the difference is within their mission.

It was clearly an easy task to troll the internet to see hundreds upon hundreds of different avenues in
which “The Faces of…” concept was being used. I came to an awesome conclusion! "The Faces
of..." does not exist to be owned by one person or organization. Each of us are a defined and
creative branch from the same wordly tree of advocacy. Although we coexisit in a world of varying
missions, we are connected in ways that stem from the will and desire to help those in need. Having
researched this phrase and its functionality within advocacy, only reassured my decision to adopt it
in 2011 within my mission for Huntington’s disease.  

Since 2011, WeHaveAFace.org has grown into a venture I could never have dreamed of.  Each day I
continue to sit in amazement as so many within our JHD/HD community join the efforts. I am very
humbled by the enthusiasm, participation, and support received by my national and international
peers.  

Most importantly, I am proud to be a part of: "The Faces of..."
James Valvano