Peter Drakos: Coping with Ataxia
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I met Peter Drakos at work many years ago and I am proud to call him a good friend. Peter is an amazing dad, husband, brother, and public servant. For more than 10 years, he’s been working in the environmental field toward improved transportation infrastructure for better mobility. Before that, he was a dedicated student who acquired a master’s degree while selflessly volunteering his time and energy for environmental causes. He’s an all-around good guy with a sharp wit and great sense of humor.
Despite all the good, Peter was dealt an unfortunate hand and was diagnosed in his late 20's with a very serious disorder called Ataxia SCA2. Ataxia is a debilitating, life-shortening, degenerative neuro-muscular disorder. There are presently no treatments for Ataxia; patients are monitored for symptom management.
Peter’s an avid bicyclist and his symptoms progressed so that he had to give up his two-wheeler bike, although he's now very fond of his trusty three-wheeler. Then in the last month, he was medically forced to take leave from his beloved position as an environmental analyst at a local transportation agency in Seattle. While he was dealing with the progression of his symptoms, his wonderful mom was in hospice care and then passed away. Sadly, his dad passed away years prior; both parents lived in Montana and suffered from disabilities. Peter's Ataxia is genetic, hereditary, and came from his dad. His grandmother, dad, and uncle all had Ataxia and died from it. His dad and uncle were diagnosed in their late 30's.
Peter is now in his late 30’s and on long-term disability. It’s forced his family to rethink where they can obtain the most support from family and friends. So, Peter, his lovely wife Sarah, and their adorable five-year old fraternal twin boys just moved from Seattle, back to Peter’s home state of Montana. They had hoped to live in Peter’s parent’s old house, but alas there were too many heart-wrenching memories. So, they are starting over in a new house and working on building-up the ADA support system for the new place.
Maybe treatments and time are not on Peter's side, but his friends are! So, we’d like to raise funds to help his family.
Thank you - please donate what you can,
Katie Merrell
Despite all the good, Peter was dealt an unfortunate hand and was diagnosed in his late 20's with a very serious disorder called Ataxia SCA2. Ataxia is a debilitating, life-shortening, degenerative neuro-muscular disorder. There are presently no treatments for Ataxia; patients are monitored for symptom management.
Peter’s an avid bicyclist and his symptoms progressed so that he had to give up his two-wheeler bike, although he's now very fond of his trusty three-wheeler. Then in the last month, he was medically forced to take leave from his beloved position as an environmental analyst at a local transportation agency in Seattle. While he was dealing with the progression of his symptoms, his wonderful mom was in hospice care and then passed away. Sadly, his dad passed away years prior; both parents lived in Montana and suffered from disabilities. Peter's Ataxia is genetic, hereditary, and came from his dad. His grandmother, dad, and uncle all had Ataxia and died from it. His dad and uncle were diagnosed in their late 30's.
Peter is now in his late 30’s and on long-term disability. It’s forced his family to rethink where they can obtain the most support from family and friends. So, Peter, his lovely wife Sarah, and their adorable five-year old fraternal twin boys just moved from Seattle, back to Peter’s home state of Montana. They had hoped to live in Peter’s parent’s old house, but alas there were too many heart-wrenching memories. So, they are starting over in a new house and working on building-up the ADA support system for the new place.
Maybe treatments and time are not on Peter's side, but his friends are! So, we’d like to raise funds to help his family.
Thank you - please donate what you can,
Katie Merrell
Organizer and beneficiary
Katie Merrell
Organizer
Seattle, WA
Peter Drakos
Beneficiary