Submitted by Charlotte Depew

Twenty-five attended with three being new members.  As always, we had a nice potluck lunch and seems those who cooked were in a pasta mood.  Of course, we had some variety with Kentucky fried chicken, sandwiches, and more, especially desserts. 

After lunch and socializing, Charlotte made announcements. Only one person, newly diagnosed, was not yet a NAF member and given application information.  The Annual Ataxia Conference (AAC) will need volunteers and a separate email will come soon.  Nearly all present plan on attending the Denver AAC and are registered. 

One of our members, Thomas Baker in Colorado Springs told us about NAF’s Bataan March in March, 2020.  He has SCA-2, walks 4+ miles daily, and we all applauded his plan to walk the 26-miles at White Sands, NM.  Members gave him their names and email addresses if interested in donating.  Anyone may donate by going into his website, https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/JMB/ThomasBaker .

Renee King, a physical therapist from Un Colorado Anschutz Clinics, was our speaker.  She was informative with some new information as neuroplasticity.  With near daily repetitive motion, like 1,000/day, the brain will gradually form new pathways to learn the movement.  Of course, she discussed the various balance and coordination therapies as well.  Karl, one of our members, has worked with her for 3-years, once or twice a week, in their pool with an under-water treadmill.  With the pool treadmill movements and additional exercises at home, he has he had no falls this past year and no deterioration in mobility or coordination in three years.  We got watch him in the pool via video.  Now, THAT should get all of us moving!!