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My Story
Whatever you do you have to keep moving forward. Martin Luther King In my world, life is a continuous journey of change.  I get it.  Change can be scary, and most folks would do just about anything to avoid it.  However, I firmly believe that real personal growth and discovering who you truly are require...
Life is a work in progress. Jeff Rich For me, Thanksgiving is not just a holiday but a cherished tradition, a time when the hustle and bustle of daily life takes a backseat to embrace the simple yet profound act of giving thanks. Everything about it, from the rich aroma of a roasting turkey and my...
One day, you’re 17 and you’re planning for someday. And then quietly, without you ever really noticing, someday is today. And then someday is yesterday. And this is your life. John Green Does anyone else feel like this year is passing by quicker than any previous year?  I had this exact discussion with my acupuncturist...
Population Estimate:  Fewer than 1000 people in the U.S. have this disease. Imagine waking up one day and finding it increasingly difficult to control your movements. Simple tasks like walking, writing, or even eating become monumental challenges.  This is the harsh reality for those living with ataxia, a group of neurological disorders that affect coordination...
Happiness is found in reconnecting with old friends. The memories flood your soul, making it smile. Unknown Life is a dynamic journey marked by constant change. As we navigate through various phases, our priorities, circumstances, and even our very selves evolve. One remarkable aspect that stands the test of time is the beauty of lifelong friendships. These connections...
The most beautiful people I’ve known are those who have known trials, have known struggles, have known loss, and have found their way out of the depths Elizabeth Kübler-Ross Life with ataxia, a neurological disorder affecting coordination and balance, can pose unique challenges.  It’s crucial to keep in mind, though, that a diagnosis does not...
Life is not about how many times you fall down. It’s about how many times you get back up. Jaime Escalante Life often presents us with challenges that test our resilience, but few experiences are as disorienting and difficult as facing Ataxia.  Falling from ataxia is both a physical and emotional journey.  Let’s talk about...
The human voice is the organ of the soul. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Communication is an essential part of our human connection. It enables us to express our thoughts, emotions, and desires. However, for those of us in the Ataxia community, speaking can present a unique set of challenges. Some days, I wake up and my tongue feels 10...
Acupuncture:  proof that stabbing someone can make things better. Robert Southey Living with ataxia, a neurological disorder that affects coordination and balance, can be a daunting and challenging journey. However, among the various treatments available, acupuncture has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for managing the symptoms of ataxia. This ancient Chinese practice, rooted in...
Have you ever experienced uncontrollable head tremors? The kind that shakes your world and leaves you wondering if this will ever end. I’m almost positive this is not an issue or thought, for most people reading this. And Head Tremors might not even be an issue for most in our Ataxia community. But for me, this is...
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My purpose

michael mantz
Life rarely goes as planned. This blog is about navigating what actually happens – major disruptions, health challenges, and the quieter work of figuring out who you are through all of it. I write from inside that process. I have Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA 15), a rare neurological condition that shapes my perspective but doesn’t define this space. Some articles are personal. Some are practical. All of them are honest.

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