Dr. Antonio Barbera, a former obstetrician-gynecologist living with multiple sclerosis, is prescribing an unconventional treatment for serious neurological diseases: ping pong.  His initiative, Table Tennis Connections’ NeuroPong program, launched in Fort Collins, Colorado, in 2021 and has since garnered attention nationwide. Meeting regularly at the Council Tree Covenant Church, participants engage in ping pong sessions...

The National Ataxia Foundation (NAF) is breaking new ground in the world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnerships. With a focus on raising awareness and funds for a rare neurodegenerative disease known as Ataxia.  Athletes from the University of Minnesota, Oklahoma State, Stanford, and the University of Miami have joined forces to support research...

In her illuminating piece, “About Brain Donation – Have You Ever Wondered?”, Mary Ann Peterson, NAF Research Associate, delves into the profound impact of brain donation in the fight against Ataxia. With touching insights from both donors and their families, as well as individuals directly affected by the disease, Peterson sheds light on the importance...

Tom Lawson shares his touching story, “My Ataxia Story,” in which he discusses how receiving the diagnosis of Cerebellar Ataxia changed his life and how it affected him profoundly.  At 46 years old, married with three children, and a dog, Tom shares the emotional rollercoaster of coming to terms with a chronic autoimmune disease. From...

Originally published October 2019 Guest Authors: Sheng-Han Kuo MD, Chen-Ya Yang, MD, MPH, and Geraldine Yu, PT, DPTTechnical Support: Tiffany Chen BS, Johns Hopkins University Ataxia is a neurologic disorder that affects people of all ages. People living with Ataxia may experience problems including incoordination of movement, slurred speech, poor balance, and gait abnormalities. Neuromotor exercises and...

Let’s meet Krystal Schulze, whose journey with Ataxia took an unexpected turn due to a brain tumor. Discovered during her high school years.  Krystal shares her courageous story of resilience and adaptation as she navigates life with Acquired Cerebellar Ataxia (ACA). Diagnosed at the age of 18, Krystal’s life took a drastic turn as she...

I wrote this article after reading a statement posted in an Ataxia group, “I hate that the simplest tasks take so much energy.”  I feel this statement applies to everyone and I welcome your comments and reactions.  Everyone’s journey is different, and your comments could help someone in a similar situation. All of us with...

Movement disorders like Ataxia, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s can significantly impact our daily lives, affecting everything from work to leisure activities.  Recognizing the importance of wise policymaking in supporting these individuals, the Movement Disorder Policy Coalition is dedicated to uniting advocates to inform policies that prioritize access to treatment and patient-centered care. One critical area of...

Allow yourself to be proud of your story.  And all the progress you have made this year.  Especially the unseen progress that no one else can see. It’s simple to miss the small successes among the chaos of life’s demands and the rush to live up to expectations from others.  The advancements we make that,...

Zoyeb Mohamed Zia’s life took a drastic turn when he was diagnosed with Ataxia during high school. Despite the initial challenges and uncertainty surrounding his condition, Zoyeb’s resilience and determination propelled him forward. Supported by his family, he pursued his education. And is now working as an Assistant Professor of Zoology, with plans to start...