Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

January 13, 2022January 13, 2022

The Balancing Act of Friedreich’s Ataxia

Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

I saw a meme a couple of months ago that said, “I can either do a morning activity or an evening activity — I am too tired for both.” I ... Read more

January 12, 2022January 12, 2022

I’m Shifting Away From an Either-or Mindset

Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

A few mornings ago, I groggily looked up and saw my reflection in the mirror. Because my vanity is wheelchair-accessible, I can see myself when I’m brushing my teeth and ... Read more

January 6, 2022January 6, 2022

New Year, New Me, and Same Friedreich’s Ataxia

Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

There is a common saying at New Year’s as people make their resolutions: “New year, new me!” The beginning of a calendar year carries an air of possibility. It is ... Read more

December 30, 2021December 30, 2021

Entering 2022 With a Fresh Perspective on Friedreich’s Ataxia

Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

Those who have been following my column about my journey through life with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) have probably noticed that I try to bring every entry to a positive conclusion. ... Read more

December 22, 2021December 22, 2021

Becoming the Miracle We Seek

Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

“You’re cured, Matt! You’re cured!” yelled some friends, their shouts echoing in the ballroom of my college’s student union almost 15 years ago. I remained sitting in my wheelchair following ... Read more

December 17, 2021December 17, 2021

As a Caregiver, My Christmas Wish List Looks a Little Different Now

Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

Season’s greetings! In the midst of this busy holiday season, I am extra thankful that you are spending a few moments here. I hope that you can find some time ... Read more

December 16, 2021December 16, 2021

I’m Not Giving Up, I’m Just Adapting to My Disease Progression

Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Life with the progressively degenerative disease, Friederich’s ataxia (FA), is hard. Having FA means adapting to relentless disease progression that sneaks ... Read more

December 14, 2021December 14, 2021

Planning Today Allows for a Stronger Start Tomorrow

COVID-19 Columns, Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

This time of year is always chaotic yet fun for me. I enjoy good sweater weather, hot cocoa, and the many Christmas lights I see while driving around town. The ... Read more

December 9, 2021December 9, 2021

Finding Contentment With Myself Tops This Year’s Christmas List

Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

It’s December, a month that means so many things to so many people. For me, it means family time, festive fun with friends, traditions, busyness, beautiful twinkling lights, Christmas movies, ... Read more

December 8, 2021December 8, 2021

Self-criticism Silences My Authentic Self

Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

For some reason, the huge tome of American literature that served as my textbook for high school English always opened to the poem, “For the Dead,” by Adrienne Rich. Probably ... Read more

December 2, 2021December 2, 2021

The Daily Risk Analyses of ‘What Can’t I Do Anymore?’

Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

My family and I went to Tulum, Mexico for Thanksgiving. We love to travel on Thanksgiving because, to us, the most important part of the holiday, and any holiday, really, ... Read more

December 2, 2021December 2, 2021

Taking My Time May Allow Me to Get More Done

Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

Last week, my mom and I visited my aunt and uncle, or her sister and brother-in-law. The trip was different from most of the trips I take, and I’m recognizing ... Read more

November 19, 2021November 19, 2021

A Shift in Perspective Can Change Everything

Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

Hello and happy holidays! Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, and this time of year can be so hectic that it’s often over before we have time to process it. I hope ... Read more

November 18, 2021November 18, 2021

The Parallels Between Living With FA and Riding My Trike

Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

After I was diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) in 2013, I was desperate to make a positive difference in my future with the disease. That search led me to rideATAXIA, ... Read more

November 16, 2021November 16, 2021

Lessons I’m Learning About My Mental Health

COVID-19 Columns, Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

I participated in a group discussion with fellow Friedreich’s ataxia colleagues Matt Lafleur and Kyle Bryant, along with host Ally MacGregor, to kick off “Movember,” a monthlong effort that aims ... Read more