Young People Affected by HD

Celine Payne: President

“Hello my lovely HD fam, my name is Celine, I am 29 years old and I am from Sarnia, ON.

My story with HD begins with my heart and soul, my purpose and reason I am who I am today, my dear mother who unfortunately lost her battle with HD two years ago at the young age of 48.  I was 16 when I became more aware of how terrible this disease is. I didn’t know anyone in my community (outside of my own family) who even knew what HD was. I eventually sought out some support through HSC and their family services team. I started within the mentorship program and had a mentor who eventually led me to my first YPAHD day in 2017. This is where I met so many amazing people and this is what truly opened up a whole new world for me that I would have never had if it weren’t for the HSC and these programs.

I am honoured to be a part of the YPAHD executive so we can continue working toward spreading awareness and raising funds so that we can continue to give people opportunities like I had and so that we will hopefully, some day, live in an HD free world.”

Taylor Van Beest: Vice – President

“My name is Taylor Van Beest, I have been involved with YPAHD in some capacity since 2015. In 2015, me and my siblings attended our first YPAHD day in Toronto, and in 2018 I attended my first conference in Kelowna, BC. My experience with HD goes beyond these 2 events though. HD has been a part of my life as long as I can remember from seeing my grandma symptomatic as a young child and then watching my mom fight and unfortunately lose her battle in December of 2020. This community is one full of amazing strong willed people that I am so proud to be a part of.”

Parker Van Beest: Youth Engagement Coordinator

“Parker here!  I’m currently working as an electrical apprentice in London Ontario with O’Connor Electric. I love to run and accomplished my first marathon last year. If I can find any other free time, you can find me on the mats practicing jiu jitsu. I have a beautiful baby boy on the way, and couldn’t be more excited for his arrival. My story with Huntington’s goes back as far as I can remember. Attending local London chapter meetings and potlucks with my mom and the rest of my siblings. Little did I know how involved I would become as I got older. I attended my first YPAHD Day in 2018 and have not looked back since. I’m a member of the HD-CAB (Community Advisory Board) initiative with HDYO and try and raise awareness however I can. Recently, my siblings and I ran a bottle drive in honour of our late mother, spreading awareness and raising money at the same time. I’m a big thinker and a wild personality. I love working hard and going above and beyond in everything. I’ll always give everything 100%.”

Caleb Harding: Past President

“I’ve been involved with YPAHD since 2015. I work with youth in a professional capacity and advocating for the Huntington’s community is my passion outside of the office. I feel strongly about providing an informed, neutral, and welcoming place for youth to learn about HD while providing space for them to share their experiences and concerns. 

I live in Tofino BC with my wife, son, and dog. You can find us any day out at the beach or in the mountains on the coast.”