This year, I am participating in the 2026 Long Island Walk n' Roll in support of the National Ataxia Foundation, a cause that is incredibly personal to me and my family. 

For merch, visit the Team V store!

My grandmother has lived with the symptoms of spinocerebellar ataxia for more than 30 years. My mother also battled the disease, living with symptoms for 18 years before receiving her diagnosis. In February of this year, after a courageous 17-year fight against breast cancer, my mom passed away. Throughout her cancer journey, we watched her ataxia continue to progress, adding another layer of challenge to an already difficult battle.

Ataxia has affected multiple generations of my family, and I have witnessed firsthand the impact it has on mobility, independence, and quality of life. Participating in this walk is my way of honoring my mother, supporting my grandmother and other family members, and helping fund research, education, and support services for individuals and families facing this terrible disease.

What is Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA)?

Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) is a group of rare, progressive, hereditary neurodegenerative disorders that affect the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for coordination, balance, and movement. People living with SCA may experience difficulty walking, poor balance, slurred speech, problems with fine motor skills, and, in some cases, vision or swallowing difficulties. Symptoms worsen over time, gradually and drastically impacting a person's independence and quality of life.

Currently, there is no cure for spinocerebellar ataxia. Research funded by organizations like the National Ataxia Foundation is critical to advancing treatments, improving quality of life for those affected, and ultimately finding a cure for future generations.

If you are able, I would be grateful for your support.

• Donate: Every contribution, no matter the size, helps advance research and provides resources for those living with ataxia.

• Share: Sharing this fundraiser with your friends, family, and social networks is another meaningful way to help raise awareness. Rare diseases like spinocerebellar ataxia often do not receive the same level of attention, funding, or research as more common conditions. As a result, individuals and families affected by these disorders frequently face limited treatment options, delayed diagnoses, and fewer resources for support. While each rare disease may affect a relatively small number of people, collectively rare diseases impact millions of individuals worldwide. Supporting organizations like the National Ataxia Foundation helps ensure that conditions like ataxia are not overlooked and that researchers can continue working toward better treatments, improved quality of life, and ultimately a cure.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for supporting a cause that means so much to our family. 

With sincere gratitute,

Andrea and Team V