The ataxias are a rare group of neurological conditions that affect (amongst other things) balance, coordination, and speech. There are many different types of ataxia that can affect people in different ways.
The condition doesn’t discriminate. It can affect anyone, of any age. Studies suggest there are around 10,000 people living in the UK with a form of ataxia. Some forms of ataxia are treatable, but in most cases there is still no cure.
A recent poll showed that only 10% of the UK population have heard of ataxia. On 25th September every year, we ask our Friends to get involved and help spread the word of ataxia, in a bid to up this statistic!
International Ataxia Awareness Day (IAAD) is our opportunity, as the ataxia community, to change this! To tell the world who we are, what ataxia is and why understanding the condition is so important. It’s a chance to make a big difference!
Through increased awareness, better understanding of the condition filters down through GP’s and therapists, to the average person on the street. If people are aware of a condition, this means more money is likely to be invested into finding a cure. Equally better understanding will mean less instances of misunderstanding for the lives of those affected by the condition.
You can help spread the word in a number of ways.
We also have some handy flyers that give an outline of the condition. You can download and print these off.
Our Ataxia: What’s That? booklet provides a much more in-depth look at the condition.
Please do let us know how you have spread the word of ataxia by emailing us on fundraising@ataxia.org.uk and we would be more than happy to share it with our members.
