Xtreme Hike 2025: Grand Canyon North to South Rim

October 17-19, 2025

First off THANK YOU for considering donating to this cause that is so near and dear to Bobby, myself, my family and our new family.

This horrible disease is one that has always been a part of my (Lisa's) life. One of my first memories was when I was in middle school, we were at the wedding of my old baby-sitter. I was talking with one of the catering staff and they commented, “Oh, looks like that guy should be cut off.” I looked over at who he was talking about and it was my dad. I quickly corrected them that he had a disease that took his balance from him. They quickly lowered their head and walked away embarrassed. At that time they thought he had OPCA-Olivopontocerebellar atrophy. Many years later he received a different diagnose based on genetic testing of SCA-3 or Machdo-Joseph disease. We quickly learned that this was a autosomal dominant inherited disease. This means that each one of us 5 kids have a 50-50 chance of inheriting this disease. Years have gone by. My father and my aunt both passed away in their early 60’s from complications of symptoms caused by the disease. I have 2 brothers who have tested negative and will never pass the gene down to their decedents. However, holding true to the statistics I also have two brothers who are affected by this disease. As for myself, I have not been tested.

This disease currently has no treatment or cure! We need to continue to support research and The National Ataxia Foundation in their mission for A World Without Ataxia!

Our number one goal is to bring awareness.  So those who suffer from this disease don’t have to explain their symptoms of balance-loss. They will never have to receive ill-assumptions of them being intoxicated, like my dad did so many years ago.

Second, We want to support those who are affeceted and fight so research can find a cure!

This disease has taught me to never take things for granted, have compassion for others because you can never know what they may be struggling with and lastly, to fight and support those closest to you.  Bobby is jumping in and showing his support for me and his new extended family!

We are putting in the grueling training and completion of this over 25 mile hike from the North rim of the Grand Canyon, down to the bottom, across and up to the top of the South rim. Expecting to take a grueling 12-16 hours!

We are putting in our days of time and own money for this amazing cause.

We CHALLENGE YOU to give until it hurts! We will have many sore days!

We CHALLENGE YOU to give when it is uncomfortable! So many live most of their shortened lives uncomfortable from this disease!

This is your chance to show your support for Bobby, myself, my family and so many of those who are affected by ataxia.

Again, thank you for your support. We can’t wait to share the challenges, memories and new friends we make as we embark on this journey together.

• NAF is committed to supporting those affected by Ataxia. This year, we're taking our mission to new heights with the NAF Xtreme Hike!

For more information on the National Ataxia Foundation, 

visit our website at ataxia.org