Carol Burnett Commends Dr. Nancy Wexler for Huntington’s Disease Work

Carol Burnett was honored at Variety’s Power of Women presented by Lifetime on Thursday — but wanted to share her award with Dr. Nancy Wexler.

“She is the true recipient of this honor,” Burnett said in her speech in Los Angeles. “I first got involved with The Hereditary Disease Foundation many years ago when I learned about it from Nancy’s father, Dr. Milton Wexler, in Los Angeles. He established the Foundation in 1968 after his wife Leonore was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease, which meant their daughters Alice and Nancy were also at risk.”

She went on to share that Nancy Wexler led a team of medical researchers who spent years in Venezuela gathering delta to learn more about Huntington’s disease.

“She was tireless in her search for the gene that causes Huntington’s,” Burnett said. “In 1983, because of Nancy, the Foundation miraculously identified the Huntington’s disease gene using her clinical data. This stunning discovery launched a genetic test for Huntington’s and laid the foundation for all the following research on the disease.”

This also “advances research that directly impacts other diseases like ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s,” she said.

Burnett, who has been a supporter for two decades and is a board member, commended the major achievement, adding, “Nancy found the gene and because of that, someday they will find the cure.”

Before taking the stage, the “Palm Royale” star and longtime comedy legend was introduced by Amy Poehler. In 2013, Poehler honored Burnett with the 2013 Mark Twain Prize; three years later, Poehler and Tina Fey presented her with the Life Achievement Award at the 2016 SAG Awards.