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Physical
Catherine Meredith’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Ataxia at the age of forty-nine, during her fifth year as a fourth-grade school teacher.  Initially dismissing her symptoms as minor issues like a sore knee, Catherine’s journey with Ataxia began to unfold when she started experiencing difficulties with speech and walking. Despite...
I just read some exciting news about lupus. Although this story is unrelated to Ataxia or movement, I think news like this could be critical to the future of our treatments.  Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery, pinpointing what could be the root cause of this challenging autoimmune disease.  Let’s look at the details and...
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...
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...
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.  We all have a lot going on, right?  Work, family, friends, and a million other things.  It’s easy to forget about ourselves amid all that chaos.  But taking care of yourself is super important.  It’s not just about feeling good physically and mentally;...
Often misdiagnosed, misunderstood, and unseen. A sufferer writes of a silver lining in his tale of swoon and gloom. Timothy Wahl In this compelling narrative, Tim Wahl shares his poignant journey with Episodic Ataxia, a hidden impairment that dramatically altered the course of his life.  From the innocence of childhood to the challenges of adulthood,...
Lily shares the lessons she’s learned from living with a disability. She discusses the challenges of physical limitations and the surprising wisdom and perspective she’s gained. Lily’s story is one of resilience, humility, and a commitment to personal growth. It reminds us that we can all learn by listening to others with similar stories. Lesson...
We pressure ourselves to fit into a particular ideal and be able to do certain things. For each of us, the standards vary. For the highly athletic person, perhaps it’s running X miles a day. For the average person who exercises, it may be the ability to lift X pounds on certain machines. For a NON-gym...
You can read Lily’s previous article HERE.After taking the new medicine called Skyclarys for Friedreich’s Ataxia for a little over one month, I can share some updates and observations. Like the condition itself, these meds affect each patient differently, and our experiences all vary. I haven’t noticed any changes to my balance and coordination, two...
Through the rhythm of music, we find a bridge that unites the discord of ataxia, guiding every step towards harmony and newfound freedom. Unknown The human body’s ability to move seamlessly is a gift often taken for granted. However, even simple movements can be difficult for those of us with movement problems like Ataxia. Ataxia refers to...
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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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