Adam Zea

I have a beautiful wife and 3 grown kids. I have always been very active, running track and cross-country in high school and road races in my early and latter years, I have always loved to run. I worked in the produce dept for a grocery chain for almost 36 years.

I began to notice my balance becoming awkward in my 30s, I’m now 62. Hiking became more difficult and my walking gait became unbalanced and my speech was becoming more slurred. My wife noticed a difference but I tried to hide it and denied the obvious. I was diagnosed in my early 40s with Cerebellar Ataxia and tried to hide it from my work place because I was afraid to lose my job. At this point, work and family noticed my uneven gait when I walked. I especially had a hard time walking up hill. The strange thing was I could still run, 20 to25 miles a week, I could even run up hills with no difficulty. I even did a lot of trail running but on easy terrain. I guess running came easy to me because I had a constant momentum moving forward but once lost my momentum, it would be difficult to start again. While running I would get startled or spooked very easy when somebody would pass me on a bike and very often I would fall.

In October of 2023, I suffered a stroke and had to do rehab for 6 months. Because of my stroke it progressed my Ataxia and now I am unable to run anymore. I use a cane or walking sticks to get around. Some days are better then others but I have come to accept it knowing that my Ataxia will progress with no cure as of yet. I try to stay fit by going to a local gym 3 days a week and lifting light weights and exercising on the other days. I believe exercising helps my Ataxia in many ways plus I like to do word search on my phone to help keep my brain more focused. I have come to terms with my Ataxia and with a deep faith in Jesus Christ, I use my testimony of my ordeal to minister to others and to hopefully encourage others who go through hard trials in this life.

When Were You Diagnosed? Which Type (If Known)?

I was diagnosed with Ataxia in 2012 and I’m not certain what type of Ataxia I have at this time.

How Has Ataxia Impacted Your Life?

Not being able to do the things I once did can be very discouraging, especially trying to explain what Ataxia is because most people never heard of it. I explain that the disorder mimics MS then they understand.

What is One Thing You’d Like the People to Know About Ataxia?

The public needs to be better educated on the disorder knowing that there is no cure as of yet and it will progress more as time goes on. Caregivers are very essential to help with every day mundane activities that we take for granted. I am so thankful to have my family as they are my primary caregivers because I know it can be very difficult at times.

Share Your Advice – How Can Others Support Someone with Ataxia?

I find the majority of the public is very supportive of any disability and explaining what Ataxia is helps them understand what we are going through.

How has NAF Helped You or Your Family?

I love reading the stories and challenges others go through. It makes me feel that I’m not alone in this journey and I love the many different videos on the subject matter on ataxia that NAF offers.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this story are those of the individual member and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Ataxia Foundation (NAF). Any medical information shared in this story is based on personal experience and has not been reviewed or endorsed by NAF or a medical professional. Always consult with your own physician or qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your care or treatment plan.

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