My Experience at the HDSA Iowa City Hoop A Thon

My Experience at the HDSA Iowa City Hoop A Thon

On Sunday afternoon my girlfriend and I headed to Iowa City to participate in the Second Annual Iowa City Hoop-a-Thon. The event was held today to raise money for The University of Iowa Huntington's Disease Society of America(HDSA).

2011 IC Hoop A Thon T-Shirt

Huntington's disease is a genetic disease, passed from a parent to child. It forms from a genetically programmed degeneration of brain cells in certain areas of the brain. The disease causes uncontrolled movements, affects muscle coordination and diminishes cognitive thinking.

Kind of an attention grabber before you go and play hoops.

We arrived around 12:30 for the event starting at 1 P.M. Once we arrived, I met event organizer Sean Thompson as well as two University of Iowa Public Relations interns who were helping run the event. Everything was well organized with volunteers all around and clearly marked as such.

I made my way around the gym area and made light conversation with 2 ladies who were in charge if the HDSA booth. I quickly noticed large-gripped heavy spoons and knives on the table.

One of the women informed me these are used for people with Huntington's Disease to still be able to feed themselves and live a regular life as much as possible. Definitely made me think before going and shooting a basketball.

The day was started by the University of Iowa's All Male Acapella group: Intersection. They sang the National Anthem and then their rendition of “For The Longest Time.” I have to say that I was in Carver for many events this year and no one in Carver sounded good as these guys. The University of Iowa should hire them for National Anthem purposes all the time. You can get more information on them by following them on Twitter @UI_Intersection.

The festivities then started including the Hoop-A-Thon, Cake Walk, Nintendo Wii tournament and more.

The fundraiser encouraged people of all ages to participate in a free throw shooting contest. I definitely wanted to show off my high school skills so I registered. Each shooter got five minutes to show their shooting skills and make as many as they could.

People in the adult range before I went made anywhere from 24 to 77 so I thought I could get atleast 80. Not a chance. I recorded a flat 60. Not bad for not having shot a basketball in 3 months.

Right after I was done I was actually asked to do an interview with a reporter from the Daily Iowa., I unfortunately forget his name but he just asked me about my experience of the day. I told him I was basically writing the same thing. I hope he got my name right. Oh well.

There was a mid afternoon break in which the University of Iowa break dancing group the “Iowa Breakers” performed. The group included 6 members, 5 guys and 1 girl who danced for about 10 minutes. I don't know much about break-dancing, I've seen “Step Up” that's about it, but what they do is tough and takes practice and skill. Big shout-out to them for what they do. If you want more information contact them at uibreakers@gmail.com.

UI Breakers

The afternoon also included a silent auction and raffle. More than 50 items were available including several restaurant gift certificates, Iowa apparel, Pat Angerer signed football gloves, a Chicago Cubs signed baseball, St. Louis Cardinals tickets and a wrestling shoe signed by Dan Gable, Terry Brands and many more.

I had bids down for the wrestling shoe and the Pat Angerer gloves but I was quickly out bid on them both. Whoever gets them, enjoy them.

Soon after my girlfriend and I left, definitely having enjoyed the experience. A large thanks to everyone involved. It was a lot of fun.

All of the money was raised for the Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA) and will be used for research as well as care and support for families touched by Huntington disease.

The first HDSA Iowa City Hoop-A-Thon was held on April 11, 2010. Organizers were hoping to build off last year's successful event where $5,500 was raised.

For more information about HDSA follow them on Twitter @UIowa_HDCenter or www.uihealthcare.com/depts/huntingtonsdisease.

Joseph Larsen

Community Contributor