Remember to breathe. It is after all, the secret of life. Gregory Maguire, A Lion Among Men Breathing is necessary for survival, but its power goes beyond that. Our physical and emotional health can be greatly impacted by the way we breathe. Becoming familiar with certain breathing methods can be especially helpful for those of us living...

Today, I want to share an inspiring story that I recently came across on the Faces of Ataxia blog.  It’s about Jodie, a remarkable woman living with ataxia.  Her journey is one of resilience, determination, and a touch of humor, making it a must-read for anyone facing challenges in their own lives. Meet Jodie: A...

Healing Journey , published by Lily Pierce February 3, 2024 The last few weeks have marked the start of a new year but also brought a lot of change for me, at least in my day-to-day life. For several years now, I’ve worked out in a gym with a physical trainer. But at the end of December 2023,...

In a poignant narrative shared by Alaysha’s mom and featured by the National Ataxia Foundation, we are offered a glimpse into the life of a courageous young girl battling ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T). Alaysha’s journey with ataxia began with uncertainties in infancy, leading to a general diagnosis of ataxia. Despite seeming to outgrow her wobbling, her symptoms...

Martha Strange’s journey with Parkinson’s disease led her to a point where her cherished activities, like playing with her granddaughter and enjoying a round of golf, seemed like distant memories. However, a consultation with neurosurgeon Dr. Guy McKhann at Columbia University Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital changed everything. Dr. McKhann suggested deep brain stimulation, a procedure designed...

Does living with multiple sclerosis sometimes make you feel sad, tired, and unmotivated? If so, what you’re feeling may be a normal psychological reaction to coping with a life-changing disease. Or it may be the result of actual physical changes because of MS. While medication can help restore balance to brain chemistry affected by MS,...

The journey of Steven Denning, a businessman and philanthropist, epitomizes the intersection of science, hope, and generosity in the realm of ataxia treatment.  Diagnosed with CANVAS, a condition characterized by cerebellar ataxia and neuropathy, Denning turned to Dr. Dimitri Krainc and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine’s cutting-edge precision medicine techniques for answers. In Dr....

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...

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...

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...