HDYO has partnered with the UCL Huntington's Disease Centre to raised funds in honor of Liv Martinez who passed away in May 2025.

⁠ Our cherished Ambassador, Liv, sadly passed away after a long battle with mental health. Her dedication to raising awareness about the mental health effects of Huntington's Disease on young people touched countless lives around the world. As a scholarship recipient who attended the Congress in Glasgow, Liv served as an advocate for many, emphasizing the importance of building community and accessing resources tailored to individual needs.⁠

In her honor, HDYO has established the Olivia (Liv) Martinez Scholarship Fund to assist young individuals in attending the HDYO Congress in 2027, particularly targeting those who have not yet participated in an HD-related event.⁠

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At the Huntington’s Disease Centre in London, we recognize the significance of gatherings like these for young individuals facing the challenges of HD within their families. That’s why we’re uniting to collect funds for future scholarships, helping ensure that even more young people can benefit from these transformative experiences,” shared the UCL Team.⁠

Liv was a bright light in our community — passionate, kind, and always ready to support others. Her presence meant so much to so many, and her loss is deeply felt across our entire ambassador family and beyond. There is still a hole in all of our hearts. By doing this in her honor, we can ensure that her passion for helping others can live on as a legacy that supports so many others in similar situations," said Jenna Heilman, HDYO Executive Director.