Harvest Hope

I am so excited to share some information about the passion project I am working on. It all happens on a quaint little farm outside of Fargo, ND. It includes 1 faith-filled loving couple, their 7 adorable children, 1 donkey named Gus, and a very special flock of sheep.

Have you ever been told a story that just grabs your heart? One that upon hearing it, you get goose bumps and you just feel called to help in any way you can? Well, that is exactly how I felt when I heard the story behind Harvest Hope Farm.

Meet Lynn

Lynn and her husband Jason operate Harvest Hope. Lynn’s mother and sister passed away of Huntington’s Disease.  If you don’t know what Huntington’s Disease is, here is some info from WebMD.com:

Huntington’s disease is a genetic, progressive, neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the gradual development of involuntary muscle movements affecting the hands, feet, face, and trunk and progressive deterioration of cognitive processes and memory.  Neurologic movement abnormalities may include uncontrolled, irregular, rapid, jerky movements (chorea) and athetosis, a condition characterized by relatively slow, writhing involuntary movements. Dementia is typically associated with progressive disorientation and confusion, personality disintegration, impairment of memory control, restlessness, agitation, and other symptoms and findings. In individuals with the disorder, disease duration may range from approximately 10 years up to 25 years or more. Life-threatening complications may result from pneumonia or other infections, injuries related to falls, or other associated developments

Huntington’s Disease is a particularity cruel disease that slowly but surly kills brain cells which affects the body, mind, and emotions. It’s heartbreaking to watch a loved one go through it. And possibly the worst thing about HD is that it can be genetically passed from parent to child. In fact, every child who has a parent that carries the gene has a 50% chance of inheriting HD.  Like I said, this disease is horribly cruel.

Here are just some of the goals of Harvest Hope Farm:

To educate others about Huntington’s Disease and the current research involving GM1 through the care and breeding of gene positive lambs that will support finding treatments and a cure for HD and other neurological diseases.

To educate children about sustainable food resources and environmental stewardship through a hands on farm experience that will allow them to grow their own produce garden and donate the produce to families in need.

To educate people of all ages about the healing benefits of nature by allowing times for retreat and relaxation on the farm.

HD Sheep Research Info:

Currently, there is good evidence that using a glycolipid that is over produced in gene positive GM1 sheep reverses the effects of HD in mice.  There is positive research showing that this same treatment will also be effective with humans and human trials have been approved. 

Last weekend they had a “naming ceremony” at Harvest Hope. Each family who sponsored an Ewe (pregnant sheep) came out to meet and name their new friend.

There is just so much love on this special little farm. This family loves and adores the flock and truly believe they have been sent to find the cure for HD. I was so happy to be able to donate my time and talent to this heart-warming night and look forward to when those BABIES are born!! I will be back to Harvest Hope Farm multiple times for some very special shoots……STAY TUNED.

If you want to check out more info about this amazing non-profit, please go to their facebook page – click HERE

xoxo,

Anne