Huntington’s Disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes uncontrolled movements, emotional problems, and loss of thinking ability. A gene mutation causes the hereditary disease. 

As the disease progresses movements become more pronounced causing individuals to have difficulty walking, speaking and swallowing. 

Mrs Bowers’ son has a 50 per cent chance of developing the disease because members of his father’s family have been diagnosed.

A cook at the Tailrace Centre, Mrs Bowers has watched Huntington’s Disease take the life of her son’s grandmother, uncles and cousins. 

An Easter Egg Hunt  at the Tailrace Centre on April 15  will raise money and awareness of the illness.

Tailrace Centre event manager Lauren Harper said the team wanted to support Mrs Bowers, so they decided to use their annual egg hunt to educate the community about Huntington’s Disease. 

Crafts, competitions and activities will be held alongside three egg hunts, with children under three at 10am, children aged three to six at 10.15am and six to 12-years-old at 10.30am.

Tickets for children aged 12 and under are $12, or a family ticket (three people) is $25. Bookings are essential.

The proceeds from the Easter Egg Hunt will be donated to Huntington’s Disease Association Tasmania. Since falling pregnant 14 years ago, Mrs Bowers has had close contact with the foundation, receiving genetic counselling which she said has been tremendously important. 

The fundraiser is set to be an emotional event for Mrs Bowers and her family, but they’re looking forward to attending the event to raise awareness in the community. 

“It is a hidden disease and we are just bringing it to the surface and to the public in the last few years,” she said. 

For tickets to the Easter Egg Hunt, contact the Tailrace Centre on 6327 4538.