Ataxia Profiles: Faces Of Ataxia...Jodie Kawa

     This week's Ataxia Profile is going to focus on Jodie Kawa.

     Jodie recalls having a pretty normal childhood...she wasn't particularly athletic, but she would ride her bicycle with friends. And, just like most children...Jodie enjoyed running and playing games of tag.

     At the age of ten, she was told that her mother had Ataxia...and that she and her brother each possessed a fifty-percent chance of developing the neurological disease. The news was hard for Jodie to hear...she remembers not responding to the news very well...and worrying over the future possibilities for a while.

     From that point on, Jodie was convinced that she had Ataxia of some form. There was nothing truly obvious...a few small issues with balance...and it wasn't until the age of forty that Jodie began to become more alarmed. She was working as a preschool teacher at the time and she was noticing that her balance was beginning to affect her ability to do her job. Even though Jodie loved teaching...she decided that it was time to get tested.

     Jodie was seen by a Neurologist who read her family history, and after watching her walk...believed that she had Ataxia. A blood test confirmed that Jodie had Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 2.

     Almost ten years have passed since Jodie's diagnosis...and she has embraced the Ataxia community. She has attended as many of the National Ataxia Conferences as possible...and in her words, has discovered and made friendships with some of the most helpful and enthusiastic people from all over the world. Jodie also enjoys her involvement in her support group...and is actively planning a second fundraiser this year.

   
     Thank you for sharing your story with us Jodie. I have been to several Conferences also...and enjoyed meeting you. We knew each other on Facebook...but it was nice to be able to talk to you in person!

     Well, my friends, that's another profile...and until next time, stay well and safe-
     Jason