Hello my name is Sly. I’m 33 years old. Started to show symptoms at age 21, diagnosed at age 25. Fun fact: before I got diagnosed is that I hiked half Dome in Yosemite. It took me and my family about fifteen hours.
When I moved in an apartment with my ex-wife, she started to notice it would take a long time to bring my cup of coffee from the kitchen to the living room. A simple 1 minute task turned into a 30 minute task. I was a 4 year basketball player and 2 years baseball player in high school. I was always called clumsy Sly in college. Then I got diagnosed later that year with SCA2.
When Were You Diagnosed? Which Type (If Known)?
Diagnosed at age 25 I have SCA2
How Has Ataxia Impacted Your Life?
In high school I had a normal childhood. Played basketball all four years and baseball for two years. Went to college and I was always known as Clumsy Sly. I thought that was normal so I didn’t think anything about it. Fast forward to now. I woke up one morning and my balance issues progressed recently. It’s definitely hard day in and day out. I live life day by day. I currently still work as a cashier at a grocery store. I’m trying to be active until I can’t anymore.
What is One Thing You’d Like the People to Know About Ataxia?
One thing I would want people to know about ataxia is that I want everyone to be patient with me. I may slur my words but I’m like any other human being. I have feelings too.
Share Your Advice – How Can Others Support Someone with Ataxia?
Just be patient with me. Be supportive to my condition.
What is Your Ataxia Story?
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