My Ataxia Awareness & Medical Fund
Donation protected
Hi, my name is Mike Smith! In the past three years, I've run 5 marathons, 23 half marathons, 4 triathlons, 5 15Ks, and more 10Ks and 5Ks than I can remember. I once wieghed near 300lbs until I decided to get healthy and change my lifestyle for the better.
Then, one day in July 2014, my life changed forever...
I fell during a training run...I simply tripped and fell. In the days that followed, I began having headaches, migraines and seizures. My doctor sent me to have an MRI on my brain, and the discovery would alter my entire outlook on life.
After a series of MRIs and neurological tests, I was diagnosed with Spinocerebellar Ataxia and Friedrich's Ataxia.
Spinocerebellar Ataxia is a progressive, degenerative neurological disease that affects the Cerebellum, Brain Stem and Spinal Cord. As the disease degenerates these vital organs, my body has started to atrophy. Basically, it is a combination of Parkinson's, ALS and MS, with a few other diseases, as well.
There is no cure. The doctors have given me two years or so. However, I won't give up.
As my SCA progresses, my need for help also increases. I have co-pays and scripts, and bills to pay. My insurance only covers so much. Every time I see a specialist, there is a bill to pay. I'm a middle school teacher in Central Florida, teaching sixth grade world history.
I need physical therapy, which is a huge expense. I had to pay for my own cane. I will have to pay for my own wheelchair when the time comes, and other equipment, as I am losing my body functions.
My condition is genetic. I inherited this disease from my grandfather, who died of ataxia in 1997. His brother died of a "strange brain condition" in the 1970s, twenty years before the mutated-gene was discovered in 1993.
I passed this mutated gene on to my children, and have to wonder if they will be afflicted with what their father is going through...or if the children they want to have one day will have to endure this painful ordeal.
Not only could I use your assistance with the costs of battling this crippling disease, but I would like your help getting the word out regarding the devastating effects Spinocerebellar Ataxia and all ataxias can cause. As a former marathon runner, it is my goal to spread the word through my Ataxia Awareness campaign.
Ataxia tragically affects 100,000 Americans a year. Another 50,000 Americans don't even know they have an ataxia yet, and will find out unexpectedly...just like I did. This crippling condtion deblitates and degenerates a person's body until they pass away, as it did my grandfather and his brother...as it is doing to me and so many others.
There is no Ice Bucket Challenge for people with Ataxia, no 3-Day walks...nothing...so I need your help!
I was scheduled to participate in two marathons and eight half marathons this year. I would like to continue to travel to locations and participate in events as best I can, walking a few miles here-and-there while I can still can for Ataxia Awareness. People need to know that there are people like me who need help.
So I would like to raise money to help with my medical costs and continue to raise awareness by walking as best I can at running events. Eventually, this disease will take my legs from me, and I will need to get a wheelchair. I will then roll myself for Ataxia Awareness and raise money.
While there is no cure today, there needs to be a cure someday. While it may be too late for me, the battle is not just for my life...
It's for the lives of my kids...I passed this mutated gene on to them through my DNA. I don't want them to suffer as I am suffering.
I want to find a cure.
Many of you have asked how you can help me...here's how. Help me get through this...and help me spread the word. Help me walk while I still can and make people aware! Join me in this fight!
#knowthestrength
Then, one day in July 2014, my life changed forever...
I fell during a training run...I simply tripped and fell. In the days that followed, I began having headaches, migraines and seizures. My doctor sent me to have an MRI on my brain, and the discovery would alter my entire outlook on life.
After a series of MRIs and neurological tests, I was diagnosed with Spinocerebellar Ataxia and Friedrich's Ataxia.
Spinocerebellar Ataxia is a progressive, degenerative neurological disease that affects the Cerebellum, Brain Stem and Spinal Cord. As the disease degenerates these vital organs, my body has started to atrophy. Basically, it is a combination of Parkinson's, ALS and MS, with a few other diseases, as well.
There is no cure. The doctors have given me two years or so. However, I won't give up.
As my SCA progresses, my need for help also increases. I have co-pays and scripts, and bills to pay. My insurance only covers so much. Every time I see a specialist, there is a bill to pay. I'm a middle school teacher in Central Florida, teaching sixth grade world history.
I need physical therapy, which is a huge expense. I had to pay for my own cane. I will have to pay for my own wheelchair when the time comes, and other equipment, as I am losing my body functions.
My condition is genetic. I inherited this disease from my grandfather, who died of ataxia in 1997. His brother died of a "strange brain condition" in the 1970s, twenty years before the mutated-gene was discovered in 1993.
I passed this mutated gene on to my children, and have to wonder if they will be afflicted with what their father is going through...or if the children they want to have one day will have to endure this painful ordeal.
Not only could I use your assistance with the costs of battling this crippling disease, but I would like your help getting the word out regarding the devastating effects Spinocerebellar Ataxia and all ataxias can cause. As a former marathon runner, it is my goal to spread the word through my Ataxia Awareness campaign.
Ataxia tragically affects 100,000 Americans a year. Another 50,000 Americans don't even know they have an ataxia yet, and will find out unexpectedly...just like I did. This crippling condtion deblitates and degenerates a person's body until they pass away, as it did my grandfather and his brother...as it is doing to me and so many others.
There is no Ice Bucket Challenge for people with Ataxia, no 3-Day walks...nothing...so I need your help!
I was scheduled to participate in two marathons and eight half marathons this year. I would like to continue to travel to locations and participate in events as best I can, walking a few miles here-and-there while I can still can for Ataxia Awareness. People need to know that there are people like me who need help.
So I would like to raise money to help with my medical costs and continue to raise awareness by walking as best I can at running events. Eventually, this disease will take my legs from me, and I will need to get a wheelchair. I will then roll myself for Ataxia Awareness and raise money.
While there is no cure today, there needs to be a cure someday. While it may be too late for me, the battle is not just for my life...
It's for the lives of my kids...I passed this mutated gene on to them through my DNA. I don't want them to suffer as I am suffering.
I want to find a cure.
Many of you have asked how you can help me...here's how. Help me get through this...and help me spread the word. Help me walk while I still can and make people aware! Join me in this fight!
#knowthestrength
Organizer
Mike Smith
Organizer
New Port Richey, FL