Our Stories - Connect to the inspiration.

In January 2007, Ride Ataxia was born. Kyle Bryant and his Father began their 2,500 mile 60 day cycling journey from San Diego to the National Ataxia Foundation Annual Membership meeting in Memphis, TN. 3,500 miles and $800,000 in research funds later the spirit of Ride Ataxia is stronger than ever and is now the marquis fundraising event for the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance.

Meet Ataxian Athletes

Kyle
For the first half of my life I had no idea that I had Friedreich’s Ataxia. I played sports and carried on just like other kids. When I was thirteen, watching me play baseball, my Dad noticed that something was wrong. In the beginning, my family simply called it clumsiness, but as my coordination and muscle control continued to deteriorate, we started looking for answers.  After a year of searching, my family and I were unsettled with the diagnosis not knowing what this diseased would bring to our lives ... Read the whole story.

Linda
Who am I? I am a 46-year-old woman, wife who is still infatuated with her husband, mother of two fun children, full-time employee at a very accommodating company, world traveler, book club member, dinner club member, church-goer, live in Central New York in a comfortable 100-year old house in the country with my family, dog, cat, rabbit, and chickens … and, oh yeah, I have Friedreich’s Ataxia ... Read the whole story.

Phillip
At 10 years of age, I discovered I was the lucky recipient of Friedreich’s Ataxia: a rare disorder that picks off nerve cells until I die. My life expectancy is 30 to 40 years, I am currently 23.  Friedreich’s Ataxia has put me in a wheelchair, hindered my ability to speak coherently and makes it difficult to perform every day tasks ... Read the whole story.

Dynah
Until I was 19 years old, I thought I was just clumsy.  I was embarrassed by it but learned to live with it.  One day I went to a new doctor, who watched me walk about 15 feet from the waiting room into her office, and asked if I had something wrong with my hips.  I never knew my 'clumsiness' was so obvious.  I was referred to a neurologist who, though he had never actually seen Friedreich's Ataxia in person, immediately suspected it to be the problem.  Genetic tests confirmed it, and thus began my journey with FA ... Read the whole story.

Brianne
My outlook on life has changed quite drastically because of Friedreich’s Ataxia. I live life for today; for this very moment. Not for yesterday, that’s done.  Not for tomorrow either, that’s not looking too bright. I make an effort to get the most out of each moment ... Read the whole story.

Nygel
When I was growing up, I was a fairly typical, active boy. I played sports like football, soccer, basketball and baseball. I also loved my bike and skateboard, especially building crazy ramps and jumping them or doing tricks. Basically, I was outside doing some sort of activity whenever I had an opportunity. I continued after being diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 11 ... Read the whole story.