Actor Will Forte is lending his voice and experience to a significant cause as he takes the lead role in Teva’s Honestly HD campaign, which aims to raise awareness about Huntington’s disease (HD). This rare genetic disorder, which affects approximately 41,000 Americans, leads to the progressive degeneration of nerve cells, impacting both patients and their families.
Forte’s connection to the disease is deeply personal. Just one year after marrying his wife Olivia Modling, her brother Doug was diagnosed with HD. This familial connection fuels the campaign, which emphasizes the struggles and dynamics within the Modling family as they navigate the challenges presented by HD. The actor’s father-in-law, Dr. Douglas Modling, exhibited worsening symptoms of HD and eventually required assisted living care.
The campaign, produced in collaboration with Burson and Teva’s media teams, features videos of Forte and Doug Modling sharing their journey together. These narratives aim to educate the public, provide support, and inspire hope within the HD community rather than promote a specific product. The Honestly HD website serves as a valuable resource, offering clinical information, personal stories, and connections to advocacy groups.
Heather DeMyers, VP of U.S. innovative medicines marketing at Teva, stated that the purpose of the initiative is to uplift and inform those affected by Huntington’s disease. “This is about helping those patients get inspired, hear stories of other patients, and help those that may be undiagnosed recognize the symptoms,” she explained. Symptoms typically appear between the ages of 30 and 50 and include chorea, cognitive decline, and psychological challenges.
Chorea, often misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s disease, affects approximately 90% of patients and highlights the need for accurate diagnosis and treatment. The Honestly HD campaign aims to address these issues, emphasizing the necessity of timely conversations between patients and their healthcare providers.
Through engaging social media outreach, Teva seeks to expand the campaign’s visibility, drawing attention to the stories of hope and resilience within the HD community. By leveraging the experiences of well-known figures like Forte, the campaign aspires to reduce stigma and create a sense of connection among patients and their families.
As the campaign progresses, Teva plans to introduce further patient stories and resources, reinforcing its commitment to community-focused outreach and support for those impacted by Huntington’s disease.