Cameron Dingerson

My name is Cameron Dingerson, and I have a rare form of spinocerebellar ataxia: SCA11. The impetus for me sharing my story is the upcoming premiere of The Thirteenth Olympian, which is an original musical theater production solely written by myself and developed over the past seven years.

The Thirteenth Olympian is a story that draws from Greek mythology to tell a fantastic yet grounded coming-of-age tale of two protagonists who yearn to shape their own legacies in a world where they feel unknown.

For me, that story is very personal–so much so that I am portraying one of those characters. Like the character I will play, I often wonder what I would do without the guiding light of my parents and if I could ever write a story of my own out of their shadow. I believe no actor would be able to manufacture the same personal connection to that character and the material as I have. One of the main reasons why I wrote this musical is because I do not want to be defined by my disability.

When Ali Stroker, an actress in a wheelchair, won a Tony Award for Oklahoma! (one of the worst musicals, but I digress) in 2017, I was overcome with emotion. If she could perform well and win a Tony Award in a dance-heavy show, despite being confined to a wheelchair, then why can I not do the same? Also, if I, as someone with spinocerebellar ataxia, can write, star in, and be awarded for a successful original musical, then maybe it will inspire others with similar disabilities to not be silenced in a world that wants to pretend disability does not exist. However, I cannot honestly say all my reasons for writing myself into The Thirteenth Olympian are purely altruistic. I also did it out of spite. When I was in high school, I overheard a director once say that “no one would ever pay to see me onstage” and other directors in my life have also made similar demeaning comments. I hope to be able to prove them wrong.

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

In 2003, I was diagnosed with SCA11.

How Has Ataxia Impacted Your Life?

I face many challenges, including being unable to drive.

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

I would like the public to stop treating disabilities as something people need to overcome. They need to understand that disabilities often cannot be cured, and even if a person never overcomes them, their disability exists and they should not be chastised for the challenges it provokes.

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

To support someone with ataxia, people should understand the challenges they face and help them succeed in whatever they choose to accomplish.

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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