Francophone Youth Day
– Written by the Moving Forward team on 27th May 2026
On April 25, the Association Huntington France (AHF) hosted its first Francophone Youth Day, bringing together 22 people, not only from France but also from Belgium and a French woman living in Switzerland.
The day began with a warm welcome breakfast at Brasserie Pomponne, where participants got to present themselves and learn more about AHF and its mission.
To encourage meaningful exchanges and bring more dynamic and fun to this meeting, participants were divided into three rotating groups, each focused on a different theme: daily life, family, and the future. This mechanism created a safer space for sharing experiences and allowed participants to connect more openly with each other. AHF’s psychologist, Emmanuelle, was also available throughout the day to support anyone with specific questions or needs.
After this morning’s session, participants gathered for a relaxed lunch – pizza! – before heading to the river Seine for a 1h30 boat ride under bright sunshine. What was initially planned as the closing moment of the day turned into something more: participants chose to continue spending time together, extending the gathering over drinks, enjoying each other’s company.
Participants represented a wide range of experiences with Huntington’s disease – including people who are symptomatic, gene-positive, gene-negative, at risk, and partners. Beyond these different statuses, there was also a diverse mix of personalities – from more extroverted to more introverted, contributing to an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere where everyone could feel comfortable and heard.
The enthusiasm was clear throughout the day, with many participants already expressing interest in future gatherings, potentially even longer events – maybe in the mountains!
By creating spaces where young people can connect, share, and feel supported, initiatives like the Francophone Youth Day play a crucial role in developing the community spirit, connecting people from different backgrounds.
