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Ataxia Awareness
Living with Ataxia isn’t easy, and no one knows this better than Martha Harlam.  Diagnosed with this progressive neurological disorder in 1988 at the age of 38, Martha’s life took a drastic turn. Now, at 69, she reflects on the challenges, losses, and unexpected blessings that have shaped her journey over the years. Martha’s story...
Hello! My name is Elise, I am a 34-year-old Canadian woman living on the Montreal South Shore. Also with me is my eight-year-old cat Kenji. I am a disabled freelance language professional: translating, editing, proofreading, beta-reading, I do it all, in both French and English! In my free time, I love reading, writing, and watching...
I’m passionate about teaching people how to optimize the health of their body and brain through nutrition. Being healthy and fit isn’t a fad or a trend; it’s a lifestyle. My name is Kelly Aiello, your nutrition coach and brain health professional on a mission to teach you how to get a better brain! As...
At age 16, I was diagnosed with a genetic neurological disorder called Friedreich’s Ataxia. I’d been experiencing symptoms since age 11 with no logical explanation up to then.  I staggered when I walked, I couldn’t carry a cup of water, and I dropped things a lot.  But little did I know that my body cells…….....
Ataxia is a rare neurological condition that affects coordination and balance, leading to difficulties in movement and posture.  While there is no cure for ataxia, research suggests that certain vitamins may play a crucial role in managing its symptoms and improving overall well-being.  Let’s explore the essential vitamins that can potentially aid individuals with ataxia...
Living with a disability can feel like constantly adjusting to an unpredictable rhythm. One day, things might go smoothly, and the next, a slight movement or step can result in a fall that sends everything into chaos. For anyone with mobility challenges, the experience of falling is a constant companion. It impacts our physical well-being...
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...
(North Carolina’s Emerging Writers, Z Publishing House, August 2018) My name is Lily, and I’m twenty-five years old.  Since I’m a recent college graduate, one might presume my mind is filled with dreams for the future and visions of a potential career. Or, particularly in the modern era, one might guess that I feel more...
Support dog are life-changing for disabled people lucky enough to have one – not just in the way most people think. Every year, for the last five years, I have led the ‘All About Ataxia’ workshop for newly diagnosed people at Ataxia UK’s National Conference. Amongst other things, we talk about support networks, and who...
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...
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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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