Hello everybody, I hope you’re all doing well! It’s finally starting to feel like fall around here. I’ve had to throw on a jacket for my morning runs this week. The weather is not quite cold, but it’s definitely not t-shirt weather anymore. My neighbors are starting to lean into the Halloween season, too. Jack-o’-lanterns on porches, fake cobwebs in the bushes, and one overachiever already has a 10-foot inflatable zombie out on their lawn. But enough about the weather and lawn decorations – let’s meet the new patients who have joined us lately!
@Vedaste In 2018, Nsengi experienced dizziness, lack of balance, difficulty walking, and poor vision after a traumatic head injury. Three years later, in 2021, Nsengi was diagnosed with Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 7. Nsengi is a Rwandese refugee living in Zimbabwe since 2006, and is married with three children.
@John Walt is a retired management consultant who was diagnosed with ataxia at age 70. In 2023, he tested positive for SCA27B. He may have some family history of ataxia, but it’s not entirely clear. Prior to the onset of his ataxia symptoms, he enjoyed racquetball, squash, skiing, and hiking.
@Pablo Pablo lives in Ireland and has idiopathic ataxia. He is learning to play chess in his spare time. (Me too, Pablo!)
@Ness Vanessa lives in Australia and developed ataxia from a brain injury. She is looking forward to speaking with others about ataxia!
@Ifoundhelp7 Bill lives in the United States and experiences ataxia as a result of Wernicke encephalopathy.
@pdwade38 Paula lives in the United States and was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and ataxia.
@ricoferreira Rodrigo lives in the United States, and begin noticing issues with balance and coordination in 2018. The symptoms became more pronounced over time, and eventually Rodrigo was diagnosed with ataxia. Rodrigo is has a passion for learning and is particularly interested in learning about new technologies; he is also a person of faith and values meaningful connections with family and friends.
To all the new folks: welcome! Feel free to share a bit more about yourselves when you’re ready.