Question 1

What is Spinocerebellar Ataxia?

Accepted Answer

SCA is a group of inherited neurological conditions that progressively affect the cerebellum, causing loss of coordination, balance, speech and fine motor control. There are more than 40 identified genetic subtypes.

Question 2

Where does my donation go?

Accepted Answer

87 cents of every dollar funds programmes: medical care, rehabilitation, mobility equipment, research grants and family support. 8 cents covers fundraising and 5 cents covers administration.

Question 3

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Accepted Answer

Hope for Ataxia is a registered 501(c)(3) charity (EIN 88-4192037). Donations from US taxpayers are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, and receipts are emailed immediately.

Question 4

Can I give monthly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Monthly giving is the backbone of our equipment and respite programmes because it lets us commit to families before the money arrives. You can pause or cancel from any receipt email.

Question 5

Can I donate anonymously?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tick 'Give anonymously' at checkout and your name will never appear on the donor wall or in any published material.

Question 6

How do you choose which families to support?

Accepted Answer

Applications are reviewed by a panel of clinicians and people living with ataxia, scored on clinical need, financial need and the likely functional gain of the support requested.

Question 7

Do you fund research directly?

Accepted Answer

We award seed grants through the SCA Research Consortium. Every grant is peer-reviewed and results are required to be published open-access.

Questions people ask us most