I was a high school baseball coach for 25 seasons and had a successful 20 years in as the Public Address announcer for all the programs football and basketball games – both boys and girls. About five years ago, I sold my lucrative Financial Planning practice of 33 years and was looking forward to a fun filled retirement when I began to notice something was wrong. My balance was askew and I had a few cognitive issues plus my speech was impacted as well. After several exams, I was told I had MSA-C and my brain was actually shrinking. I left coaching and gave up announcing (easier said than done – I miss it all very much) cold turkey for life of reading and watching television. I’m bored. My friends say not but walk tentatively and I can hear it my speech. At times, I feel helpless.
When Were You Diagnosed? Which Type (If Known)?
Two months ago- MSA-C.
How Has Ataxia Impacted Your Life?
I can barely walk anymore and my wife does all the chores.
What is One Thing You’d Like the People to Know About Ataxia?
My wife is as trapped as I am.
Share Your Advice – How Can Others Support Someone with Ataxia?
Exercise-go for walks daily and three times a week I meet up with a support group at an MMA boxing site.
What is Your Ataxia Story?
As an organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by Ataxia, we believe that each story has the power to inspire, connect, and empower others. We invite you to share your personal Ataxia journey with us.
Are you here to read the personal stories, but haven’t yet joined as a member? We hope you find comfort in reading about the experiences of others on their Ataxia journey. We invite you to join as a member to receive a new member story each month. It’s free, and you’ll be kept up-to-date on the latest developments in the Ataxia community.
Recent Member Stories
Neyveth Duarte
My name is Neyveth Duarte and my dad was officially diagnosed with Ataxia earlier this year. My dad is my hero and he is going Read More…
Adam Nelson
I grew up in a small & rural town of about 3,500 people in central Minnesota. I was raised in a blue-collar middle class home, Read More…
Ataxia Connection Travel Grants Bring Over 50 Attendees to the 2025 Annual Ataxia Conference
Submitted by Theresa Nelson, Executive Director at Ataxia Connection It is an exciting opportunity for our organization, Ataxia Connection, to travel and attend the Annual Read More…
Finding Connection at the 2025 Annual Ataxia Conference
Submitted by Mark Holdenried Attending the 2025 Annual Ataxia Conference (AAC) in Las Vegas was a meaningful and energizing experience. From the travel experience to Read More…
Lim Siah Gim
My challenge and journey with Ataxia I was born youngest in a family of 11. From teen I witnessed my father (who was about 50 Read More…
Shawn Davis
Why I Wrote a Children’s Book to Explain Ataxia Well, it turns out your brain’s cerebellum is super important… A couple of years ago I Read More…
