2016rideATAXIAChicago1

It was the 5th year for rideAtaxia Chicago and I have been lucky to go to two of them. Each time I go I have more fun and meet more awesome people who are supporting FARA to cure FA. It was a huge success raising over $90,000 and run by FARA and great FAmilies like the Young family and their friends who go all out for the event. If you’ve never been to a ride it’s an amazing experience. We came over from FA Woodstock which made the weekend even more fun and it was very exciting when we arrived to meet representatives from Horizon Pharma and Reata Pharmaceuticals who have drugs in clinical trials for FA and came out to support our community. 

2016rideATAXIAChicago2One of the many teams that participated this year was my Dad and my brother, Colin. Their team name was 3 Wheels, 2 Guys, 1 Cure because of the amazing, (insane even) bike that my Dad was riding on the 12 mile course ….Bike might be a bit vague though. How about unicycle?! Yes, even though he had almost no training on his new 36” unicycle leading up to the event, he toughed out the 12 mile course with no coasting and only a few scrapes and bruises. It turns out trees along bike trails aren’t trimmed to unicycle height! I hung out at the finish line and cheered them across and then it was on to the food (AWESOME FOOD thanks to Bonefish Grill, Carrabba's Italian Grill and Outback Steakhouse!), fun and a chance to spend some time with each other. Dr. Payne was there with his daughter for the ride and he spoke about how the money raised through events like rideAtaxia Chicago is making a real difference directly in his research and for many other scientists. A powerful message indeed.

All in all, the best part of day for me was connecting with my FAmily for another truly amazing experience. I hope to see you all next year!

2016rideATAXIAChicago3jackdewittcommunitysignatur