Ride Ataxia is an event that I look forward to every year. It is a chance to raise awareness for FA, raise funds for FA research, and give hope to FA families who would otherwise have none. Not to mention the fun that we always have!

In 2012 and 2013, Portland’s own Sauvie Island was host to Ride Ataxia in the Northwest. These two rides were a huge success, as many pedal strokes were taken to move towards a cure. After a long debate, it was decided that Ride Ataxia Portland would become Ride Ataxia Seattle in the Summer of the following year.

Name: Matthew J. Di Iorio

Age: 33

Where do you call home? Johnston, Rhode Island

Education: I received a Bachelor of Science in Buisness Administration in 2004 from Bryant College.

How long have you been living (or known you are living) with Friedreich's Ataxia? 20 years, August 4, 1994. I was diagnosed in Rhode Island by Dr. Karen Kerman, then she sent me to Boston for a second opinion.

Do you have any known family history of Friedreich's Ataxia or similar symptoms? My maternal grandfather had Parkinson's-isms. His neurologist claimed he did not have Parkinson's disease.

Name: D. Elizabeth Haubert

Age: 31

Where do you call home? Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Occupation/Employment: I'm a disability rights lawyer.

How long have you been living (or known you are living) with Friedreich's Ataxia? In high school, I just thought I was kind of clumsy. I was diagnosed when I was 19.

Describe your transition from walking to walker/wheelchair. Beginning to use a wheelchair was really a watershed thing for me. I thought I would just use it for distances, but I quickly realized how freeing it was to be able to get around without worrying about trying to keep my balance. Trying to get around the city in a chair, I realized just how common physical barriers to access are, leading me to my profession and passion in disability rights.

The 5th annual FA Woodstock was held Thursday, July 17, 2014 – Saturday, July 19, 2014. It is a three day event hosted by the Hook Family at The Flying H Ranch in La Porte, Indiana who graciously open their home up for people affected by Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) and their families to enjoy a variety of activities. The 21 acre ranch is home to lots of livestock including cows, horses, a mini horse, bunnies, a goat, a pig, mini donkeys, dogs, a bird and probably a few more species unmentioned. The Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) and The Children’s Medical Center of Philadelphia (CHOP) staff came out to the event to conduct medical research that would usually take half a year to collect.