Huntington's Disease Society of America
Joyce Banfield lost her struggle with Huntington’s last Christmas day at the age of 65. Her final years were the embodiment of why we refer to HD as “affecting entire families,” as her husband, daughters, brother, sisters, in laws, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins were all taken with her courage in the light of her illness and remember and miss her loving smile. “We will always remember many of the life lessons she taught us. Always give a proper thank you, root for the underdog, help strays whenever you can, just smile, chocolate and ice cream will make you feel better, Elvis Rules, the color green is the best color, celebrate your birthday all month long because it is your “birthday month” and that life is precious and fragile.”
Her brother Steven Rogers paid tribute to Joyce in this poem.
Infinite Divisibility Under God
Raindrops strike the top of a verdant tree with waxy green leaves
Some raindrops touch relatively few leaves. Gaining water, they fall quickly
One drop lands then meets her sisters at the very center of a leaf
After some moments the rain passes, leaving the tree with the memory