Press Releases
2008
Cyclist with Rare Neuromuscular Disorder to Begin Second Cross-Country Journey
January 3, 2008 — Kyle Bryant and Team Ride Ataxia are preparing to begin their second cross-country journey to draw attention and raise research funds to find a cure for the rare neuromuscular disorder Friedreich's ataxia with which Bryant and other teammates are affected.
The team will begin the ride on March 15, 2008 at the state capitol building in Sacramento, CA and conclude in Las Vegas, NV on March 27, 2008 at the National Ataxia Foundation's 51st Annual Meeting. It will be a 13-day trip covering 600+ miles.
In March 2007, Bryant and his Father, Mike Bryant completed a 2,400 mile bike ride from La Jolla, California to the 50th annual NAF meeting in Memphis. The team raised $40,000 on their cross-country "Ride Ataxia," visiting FA researchers and patient families along the route. NAF and FARA announced at the end of his 2007 ride that the two organizations would add sufficient funds to bring the total to $100,000 creating the Kyle Bryant Research Award.
The 2007 Kyle Bryant Award was provided to translational research being done by Australian researchers and their British collaborators into the catalytic antioxidant CTMIO as a possible treatment for Friedreich's Ataxia. Furthermore, this initial Kyle Bryant Award drew such high-quality applications from the scientific community that NAF and FARA have agreed to co-fund three of the other proposals as well.
NAF Executive Director Michael Parent commented, "The National Ataxia Foundation is truly grateful to Kyle Bryant for his courageous 2007 journey to help raise ataxia awareness and needed funds to support promising Friedreich's ataxia research. We're excited that Kyle has decided to continue his initiative in 2008."
FARA President Ron Bartek added, "Kyle's courage, commitment and dedication has inspired and enabled FARA and NAF to collaborate on some very promising research."
Team Ride Ataxia has set a goal of raising $50,000 towards research for Friedreich's ataxia in 2008. The team is seeking cyclists to join them on their journey as well as sponsors. Details of the trip can be found at www.rideataxia.org. Potential participants can download an application and detailed information at www.rideataxia.blogspot.com. Applications and deposits are due January 15.
"I am one of the lucky few who still has considerable ability. I plan to take advantage of my ability as long as I can," said Bryant. "There is an optimism in our community of Ataxians. Many people think that we can actually beat this thing."
Friedreich's ataxia is a life-shortening, debilitating and rare genetic neurodegenerative disorder. Onset of symptoms usually occurs between the ages of 5 and 15. Symptoms include muscle weakness and loss of coordination in the arms and legs; impairment of vision, hearing and speech; aggressive scoliosis (curvature of the spine); diabetes, and a serious heart condition. Most patients need a wheelchair full-time by their late teens and die as young adults. There is currently no treatment or cure.
About FARA
The Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to accelerating research leading to treatments and a cure for Friedreich's ataxia. http://www.curefa.org
About NAF
NAF is a membership supported, nonprofit organization established in 1957 to help persons with ataxia and their families. The Foundation's primary purpose is to support promising ataxia research and to provide vital programs and services for ataxia families. http://www.ataxia.org
Contact
Ronald Bartek
President, Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance
(703) 426-1576
fara@curefa.org
Michael Parent
Executive Director, National Ataxia Foundation
(763) 553-0020
mike@ataxia.org
Kyle Bryant
Founder, Ride Ataxia
(916) 203-3238
kyle@rideataxia.org