Walk N Roll For A Cure for Ataxia

The Lower Michigan Ataxia Support Group, associated with the National Ataxia Foundation (NAF), is holding our Annual Walk, Stroll n’ Roll to Cure Ataxia event. The date is Saturday, September 21,2024 at Sparks Foundation County Park 1401 S. Brown, Jackson, MI. For event details visit https://www.ataxia.org/event/lower-michigan-walk-n-roll.

We are striving to increase ataxia awareness, participation, and donations in 2024.
Many have never heard of Ataxia. I know I hadn’t. I was a special education teacher at Vandercook Lake Schools for over28 years. In 2012 I lost a very dear student to Ataxia telangiectasia
a very rare hereditary childhood syndrome. Imagine my surprise, when in 2021 I began experiencing strange symptoms, only to be diagnosed with paraneoplastic/autoimmune mediated cerebellar ataxia, an equally rare syndrome. Tens of thousands of individuals in the United States are affected by this debilitating condition; a rare and often fatal neurodegenerative disorder. Symptoms include severe problems with coordination, balance, and speech. Altered vision, hearing, sensation, and various other medical problems are common. Ataxia is progressive, affects children and adults, manifests at any age, is often inherited, and there is no cure or effective treatment.

The National Ataxia Foundation was established in 1957 to help Ataxia families through research, education, and patient services. Worldwide, NAF relies solely on donations and fundraising and has earned several consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator, America’s largest and most-utilized independent evaluator of charities. A 4-star rating verifies that NAF exceeds industry standards and executes its mission in a financially efficient way. All funds go directly to NAF with no second or third-party involvement.