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About
Our Mission
Champions for HD fights alongside families facing Huntington’s Disease and Juvenile HD—lifting voices, sharing stories, and standing strong through every round. Through our Warrior Wishes program and year-round support, we deliver hope, connection, and community—so no one battles alone.
Our Vision
A world where no HD family fights alone, and where every Champion is empowered to live with hope, dignity, and purpose—supported by a community that sees their strength, shares their story, and stands in their corner.
Breanna was — and still is — the heart behind everything we do.
Champions for HD: Our Story 💜
Champions for HD was founded by singer/songwriter and Huntington’s Disease advocate, Shelby Lentz, whose life was forever changed when HD was diagnosed across three generations of her family — including her grandfather, father, and younger sister, Breanna.
In 2016, Shelby co-wrote a song called “Champion” with friend and fellow artist Jessica Kellie Adams. Inspired by the Rocky Balboa films, the lyrics were written to honor strength in the face of adversity — but after receiving her own positive HD diagnosis at age 20, the meaning of the word Champion took on a whole new life.
That song became the heartbeat behind this nonprofit.
It became an anthem.
It became a mission.
"When my sister was diagnosed with Juvenile Huntington’s Disease, and my dad could no longer work, we didn’t know where to turn. That’s why I created Champions for HD — to support families like ours."
— Shelby Lentz, Founder
🧬 What is HD?
Huntington’s Disease is a rare, hereditary brain disorder — one that gradually steals a person’s ability to walk, talk, think, eat, and live independently. It’s often described as a combination of Parkinson’s, ALS, and Alzheimer’s.
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It typically begins between ages 30–50
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Symptoms worsen over 15–20 years
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Each child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting it
Juvenile HD (JHD) is an even rarer, faster-progressing form that strikes children under 20. Shelby’s sister Breanna was diagnosed at age 12. By 14, she had lost her ability to walk, talk, and eat — and tragically passed away that same year.
Her story lives on through a children’s book written in her honor, “Brave Breanna,” and through the love that powers this mission every day.
💡 What We Do
Champions for HD exists to bring hope, visibility, and tangible support to HD families. We focus on:
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💸 Emergency financial relief for basic needs, medical bills, and disability delays
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💜 “Moments That Matter” – our version of Make-A-Wish, granting meaningful experiences for HD families
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📣 Raising awareness about Huntington’s and Juvenile HD through storytelling, music, media, and events
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🧬 Funding promising local HD research happening in Michigan
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🎤 Hosting annual benefit concerts and community-driven fundraisers
To date, we’ve raised over $100,000 and helped more than 90 families across the country.
🥊 Why We Keep Fighting
This nonprofit started as a personal fight. But now, it’s a community movement. A song. A story. A little sister’s legacy. A daughter’s diagnosis. And a growing army of Champions showing up every day — one voice and one story at a time.
We’re here for the families just like ours.
And we won’t stop.
🥊 Want to learn more about our story?
Check out our [Press & Media] page, watch [Shelby’s story], or listen to “Champion” — the song that started it all.