Virtual support group meetings will continue on through the spring months with several groups around the nation beginning to host in-person meetings and events. Read the latest support group meeting recaps here.
Find an upcoming meeting to join at www.ataxia.org/events.
Greater Atlanta Ataxia Support Group Meeting Recap - March 5th
Submitted by Greg Rooks
The Greater Atlanta Support Group hosted an in-person meeting at the Roswell Library and were joined by special guest speaker, Dr. George (Chip) Wilmot from Emory University. Dr. Wilmot spoke about current ataxia clinical trials, research, and treatments.
2 members of the Greater Atlanta group, Robin and Dick Manley, also shared that their new home, which was being designed using Universal Design Principals to make it as accessible as possible, was nearing completion. They shared some great tips and tricks with the group on how to make your home more accessible to a variety of needs.
To stay informed about this group’s meetings and events, find them on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/gaasg
Sioux Empire Ataxia Support Group Meeting Recap - March 23rd
Submitted by Mary Beth Farley
The Sioux Empire Support Group hosted a special zoom meeting event where they were joined by author, Becky Lacroix. Becky released her new book at the beginning of this year titled: “Unbalanced Journey: life with 3 rare diseases and a colostomy”. Becky spoke with the group about her experiences in life and the publication of her book.
You can find Becky’s book here: Unbalanced Journey
To stay informed about this group’s meetings and events, find them on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1606527972792690
Chicago Ataxia Support Group Meeting Recap - March 25th
Submitted by Julia Pantoga
The Chicago Support Group hosted a very well attended virtual meeting featuring special guest speaker, Professor Rich Ivry. Professor Ivry spoke to the group about the work that is being done at the Cognition and Action Lab at the University of California, Berkeley.
You can learn more about Professor Ivry’s work here: CognAc Lab
To stay informed about this group’s meetings and events, connect with Julia Pantoga at sharpturninstitute@gmail.com
Treasure Coast Ataxia Support Group Meeting Recap - March 26th
Submitted by Lisa Cole
Lisa Cole started the meeting at 12:30 PM EDT by welcoming the folks in attendance (there were 15 people at the beginning of this meeting). We took a group photo.
Lisa then reviewed many important and interesting websites. They have great information regarding exercise programs, restoring or maintaining balance, nutrition, links for ataxia research studies, some of which include:
- little steps, big gains
- ataxia.org is the national ataxia foundation website
- NIH, the National Institutes of health
- “Broadway for Ataxia” features a free monthly session. The next one is April 21st at 6:30 PM eastern daylight savings time.
We discussed some of the content of our recent annual conference. Next year’s conference will be live and virtual and will be in Las Vegas.
Members of the group introduced themselves and networked for the remainder of the meeting.
To stay informed about this group’s meetings and events, connect with Lisa Cole at lisacoleataxia@gmail.com
Las Vegas Ataxia Support Group Meet Up Recap - March 26th
Submitted by Kristy Taylor
The Las Vegas Ataxia Support Group hosted an in-person lunch at Garden Grill!
For several that attended, it was their first opportunity to meet other members in person. The group had a wonderful time and will most certainly be holding more meet-ups in the coming months.
Follow along with the Las Vegas Support Group facebook page if you want to stay informed about these upcoming meet-ups as well as virtual meetings: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2090650814550409
Treasure Coast Walk N' Roll Recap - April 2nd
The Treasure Coast hosted their Annual Walk N’ Roll To Cure Ataxia fundraiser event at Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach. Many support group members and their friends and families came out on this beautiful spring day to connect and fight for a cure. The event even attracted members from several other states to join in!
The event raised over $7,000 and was a massive success in bringing the community together!
To stay informed about this group’s meetings and events, connect with Lisa Cole at lisacoleataxia@gmail.com
Western Washington Ataxia Support Group Meet Up Recap - April 9th
Submitted by Sherry McLaughlin
The Western Washington Support Group held their first in-person coffee group of the year! This was a very long awaited event by many members! 13 people came out to connect and enjoy breakfast, lunch, coffee, or whatever they wanted together.
The group will continue to hold virtual support group meetings as well as virtual coffee groups in addition to moving forward with more in-person coffee groups. Follow along with their facebook page if you want to stay informed about virtual and in-person opportunities: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1033349420106652
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