As some of you are aware, 10 years ago, I was diagnosed with a rare disease called Spinocerebellar ataxia (type 6), or SCA6. It is an autosomal disease I inherited from my mother, a lifelong waitress until she lost her ability to walk. SCA6 is described as a pure cerebellar disorder because it only affects the cerebellum, a part of the brain that controls balance and coordination.

For the first few years after diagnosis, I was able to continue to teach yoga classes, walk on the beach, swim, play tennis, and dance. But as the disease progressed and my mobility became more compromised, I lost the ability to do these things and more. I now need to use a walker when I am outside of my house. I am fortunate that my work as a psychologist is done in a chair!

Quite recently, I became aware of a new and promising treatment for ataxia that is not available in the US, where FDA approval is dependent on clinical trials, which have been stalled due to the downturn in funding for medical research. Rare disease research, which is underfunded in the best of times, is currently at a standstill while I am racing against time. I have decided to pursue stem cell treatment outside of the United States. There is a clinic in Germany that offers stem cell treatment for ataxia. Stem cell infusion will not cure the disease, but the treatment is expected to improve my present situation and slow its progression, and that is why I am asking you to join my team.