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Wheelchair
Ian, born in 1956, shares his life experiences with ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T), an autosomal recessive condition.  At a young age, teachers noticed he fell more than other children, and at seven, he was misdiagnosed with cerebral palsy.  Despite his challenges, Ian enjoyed his childhood, especially piano lessons, until spasms forced him to stop. At eleven, Ian...
At least, they shouldn’t be. But here we are… Lily Pierce It’s sad when people limit their lives rather than use a mobility aid.  Many feel embarrassed to rely on a walker or wheelchair due to societal stigma.  At 19, Lily’s Friedreich’s Ataxia progressed, leading to frequent falls.  After resisting, she finally bought a rollator...
Life is about accepting the challenges along the way, choosing to keep moving forward, and savoring the journey Roy T. Bennett In Richard’s insightful blog post, he shares his journey of adapting to life with Ataxia through practical solutions and supportive technology.   When he and his wife moved into their forever home in 2013,...
Megan’s story is a true inspiration. She’s faced many challenges living with type 1 ataxia, a progressive neurological condition, but she’s never given up. She’s shown incredible strength, perseverance, and hope. Discovering the Diagnosis Megan’s story started with subtle symptoms that most people would ignore.  Like many people with Ataxia, her balance and coordination problems...
Getting a new diagnosis, especially one that brings life-changing challenges, can feel like you’re stepping into a world you didn’t choose.  It’s overwhelming and confusing, and you’re likely flooded with questions.  How will this impact your future?  What will it mean for your relationships, dreams, and future?  While every diagnosis journey is unique, the feelings...
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...
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…….....
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...
(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...
After I was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia at fifteen, I swore, and really believed, I would take my own life before using one. What triggered this reaction and what changed my mind? I grew up in the eighties, unaware of disability. In my family, my cousin was born with a harelip and cleft palette, but...
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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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