Courtney Ng: What’s Life Without Connection?
Courtney Ng will share how she stays active and how she is trying to increase awareness of Ataxia globally.
Although I was born with this condition, I experienced symptoms starting when I was 19 and was officially diagnosed at 25 years old with ARCA 1 – Autosomal Recessive Cerebellar Ataxia Type 1.
I used to do more physical activities such as badminton and running. I don’t really do either very often now, I also attribute it to sheer laziness!
I go for walks at least 2-3x a week. I also enjoy the cardio machines 2x a week at my local gym and I find it helpful to get my heart rate up and keep my muscles active. Recently I’ve incorporated weight training and I am experimenting with different routines and seeing what will benefit me.
My journey has not been linear, I’ll have up and down days and I try to surround myself with supportive people that are positive influences on my life. Instead of searching for the meaning of life, the silver lining of my diagnosis is that my purpose has found me. I keep moving forward and accepting life as it is, and to focus on connecting and impacting others. I know how isolating and confusing a chronic illness can be, and I want others to know they are not alone.
I run Hope for Ataxia and our mission is to raise Ataxia awareness globally. As I disclosed my diagnosis to friends and family, I realized that no one had heard of it, and that prompted me to raise awareness of it because there simply isn’t enough information about this rare disease. We aim to create an open, non-judgmental forum for individuals in the Ataxia community to share their lived experiences and connect with others. We also share information and articles on different types of Ataxia to educate and inform others who may be unaware of it.
Stay positive, reach out to supports online or in-person. Large organizations like Ataxia Canada and National Ataxia Foundation are great starting points to finding local support groups. Although it may seem like you are alone, you are not. We all have to be there for one another – what’s life without connection?
Hope for Ataxia’s Facebook Page
Thanks to Courtney Ng for sharing her story.
Please consider sharing your story – whether you have Ataxia, are a caregiver, friend, or relative. You may fill out the form below to get started.
