Love in HD

Melissa (Dilley) Ryant is 34 years old and originally from Ohio. Her mom was the first in her family to be formally diagnosed with HD, and these symptoms began when Melissa was a child. Her mom passed away on 2/14/2008. When Melissa was 24, she tested gene negative for HD. Struggling with all of the complexities of survivors guilt, she connected with the NE Ohio Chapter, and attended her first convention in 2013. Melissa volunteered on the NYA board for about 7 years.

Erika Boulavsky is 30 years old and originally from South Carolina. Her mom was diagnosed while Erika was in elementary school. Fortunately her mom has mild symptoms that are managed and is still doing well today! Erika is at risk- after attending her first convention in 2012, Erika didn’t return to an HD event until an NYA retreat hosted in Denver in 2016. Erika volunteered on the NYA board for about 3 years after that.

Now, Melissa and Erika are living in Raleigh, NC. They recently got engaged this past December! They love spending time with their dogs, Melissa loves dragging Erika on hikes, and they both love to explore all of the unique food Raleigh has to offer!