| Linda's Ride to Help Find the Cure for Ataxia |
Linda's Story
When Linda was in her late thirties she started noticing problems with her balance and speech. The problems got progressively worse, where walking took actual concentration instead of being an unconscious activity. In April of 2002 genetic testing determined that she has Friedreich's Ataxia (FA).
At this point (2006), Linda can get around fine for the most part, although she has some problems. The symptoms typically are as if she has been drinking - kind of a stumbly walk and occasionally a slightly slurred speech. In general, she has to watch her feet to walk. Stairs, in particular, are difficult - especially going down. Any walking on uneven ground is difficult, particularly in the dark. She needs to hold on to someone when walking on anything slippery, uneven, or that she can't see. Her speech and writing are affected, but only slightly. She shows none of the more serious problems that are sometimes associated with ataxia (heart trouble, diabetes, vision problems, etc.). She can no longer run, ski, ride a bike, dance, or wear high heels.