On October 10, my mom, my sister, and I are hiking more than 20 miles in the Grand Canyon as part of the National Ataxia Foundation’s 2026 Xtreme Hike, and I’d be grateful for your support.
Why I’m hiking
My dad and other members of my family live with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects balance, coordination, speech, and swallowing. Some of my favorite memories are the hiking trips my dad and I took every spring on the Appalachian Trail. SCA3 has slowly made those hikes impossible for him, but it hasn’t taken away our love of adventure. This hike is my way of carrying our tradition forward, and every step is for him.
Why it matters
Watching my dad’s journey shaped my career. For the past four years, I have served as Chief Scientific Officer of the National Ataxia Foundation, working with researchers, clinicians, industry partners, and families to accelerate treatments and a cure for SCA3 and all forms of ataxia. I’ve seen firsthand how quickly the science is moving. The treatment pipeline is stronger than ever, and continued support is what will turn that progress into real therapies for patients.
How you can help
- Donate: Every gift, of any size, supports ataxia research, care, and resources for families like mine.
- Share: Pass this page along to friends, family, and colleagues. Spreading awareness matters just as much.
Thank you for standing with my family and the entire ataxia community. Your support means the world to us. ?
To learn more about ataxia and the National Ataxia Foundation, visit ataxia.org.