Skip to content

The 2025 Annual Ataxia Conference is in Las Vegas! Will you join us in March?  LEARN MORE!

Media

A resource of NAF’s press coverage and information for media inquiries.

NAF News

News

2024 NAF Research Grants

NAF Awarded a Record Number of Projects in 2024 18 Studies Funded Totaling $845k Funded! We had our most competitive year ever for Ataxia research Read More…

MEDIA CONTACT
Stephanie Lucas
Communications Director
stephanie@ataxia.org | 763-231-2744

To request a press release to be issued by NAF, submit the information using our Press Release Request Form.

Press Kits

In the News

USA Today - December 2024

“As a stand-alone condition, “ataxia is a degenerative disease of the nervous system,” explains Andrew Rosen, chief executive officer of the National Ataxia Foundation. There are many types, including cerebellar ataxia, sensory ataxia, vestibular ataxia, Friedreich’s ataxia and more general forms of hereditary ataxias…”

Read Article

STAT - October 2024

In a Q&A, Nye talks about his family’s history with the neurological disorder and the need to improve diagnosis.

Read Article

People - September 2024

The beloved ‘Science Guy’ says many of his family members suffer from a rare neurological disorder that their ancestors had in colonial times.

Read Article

CNN - September 2024

Bill Nye brings awareness to Ataxia and talks about his family’s connection to the disease on CNN.

Watch video

CBS 58 Newsroom - September 2024

The National Ataxia Foundation’s third annual Bowl for a Cure fundraiser is taking place Sunday, Sept. 29, and Mark and Leah Minkin were in studio to tell us more about it.

Watch video

News4JAX - June 2024

Check out the on-air interview with Regina McKenzie, event organizer, and Kyle Billadeau, VP of Operations and Community Services.

Watch video

WPBF - Local ABC Affiliate, March 2024

Check out the on-air interview with Lisa Cole, NAF Support Group Leader and event organizer, and Kyle Billadeau, VP of Operations and Community Services.

Watch video

Sports Illustrated, December 2024

While most NIL partnerships are centered around talent promoting a brand or consumer product, four student-athletes across the country have instead used their platforms to increase awareness and help raise funds for a rare disease.

The National Ataxia Foundation partnered this semester with Mya Hooten (University of Minnesota Gymnastics, Brandon Garrison (Oklahoma State Basketball), Elise Evans (Stanford Soccer) and J.D. Urso (University of Miami Baseball) to support research and fundraising efforts for the rare neurodegenerative disease.

Read article

The Knight Crier, November 2023

Friends remember Mike Andersen as quick to help — and quicker to dodge the credit. The U.S. Army veteran and owner of north Orange County-based HVAC company Veteran Air died on Oct. 3 at age 40…Nonprofit founder Cindy Furton De Mint recalled Andersen being proactive when it came to getting involved. She started Brothers on a Quest to raise awareness for ataxia, a condition three out of her sons have. She recalled how Andersen not only showed up to her foundation’s events, but was always a platinum sponsor of the National Ataxia Foundation’s annual walk.

Read article

Star Tribune, September 2023

Friends remember Mike Andersen as quick to help — and quicker to dodge the credit. The U.S. Army veteran and owner of north Orange County-based HVAC company Veteran Air died on Oct. 3 at age 40…Nonprofit founder Cindy Furton De Mint recalled Andersen being proactive when it came to getting involved. She started Brothers on a Quest to raise awareness for ataxia, a condition three out of her sons have. She recalled how Andersen not only showed up to her foundation’s events, but was always a platinum sponsor of the National Ataxia Foundation’s annual walk.

Read article

Star Tribune, September 2023

Defensive tackle Harrison Phillips has a charitable reputation, and he’s cranked that up a notch heading into the 2023 season…Another eight tickets went to the National Ataxia Foundation, a Twin Cities nonprofit assisting people with the namesake disease that affects the nervous system. 

Read article

CBS 58 News, August 2023

The 2nd annual National Ataxia Foundation Bowl for a Cure is scheduled to take place in Richfield aims to deliver a fun-filled bowling experience for participants of all ages on Saturday, Sept. 23. The event aims to raise awareness and support for those affected by ataxia, a rare neurological disorder affecting coordination, speech and balance.

Read article

Healthcare at Home: The Rowan Technology Report, April 2023

The 66th annual convention of the National Ataxia Foundation was held in Las Vegas last week. If you are a nurse, therapist, or physician reacting to that news with, “What is Ataxia? I’ve never heard of it,” the conference theme is addressed to you: “No one should have to teach their doctor about their disease!” The theme was repeated frequently during the three-day conference by everyone from nationally known neurologists from UCLA and Johns Hopkins to TV personality Bill Nye, who has family members stricken with the genetic disorder but has himself been spared.

Read article

News Medical, October 2022

In this interview, we speak to Dr. Lauren Moore from the National Ataxia Foundation about ataxia and how the NFL is helping to raise awareness for this condition.

Star Tribune, October 2022

Ataxia, an obscure neurological term with deep roots in Minnesota, was thrust into the NFL’s concussion protocol lexicon last week and has impacted this week’s Vikings game in Miami.

USA Today, October 2022

The National Ataxia Foundation says ataxia symptoms are similar to being drunk, in that people have problems using their extremities,…

Enstarz, October 2022

Weeks after the dreaded accident happened, the NFL and NFLPA found out that “the outcome in this case is not what was intended when the Protocols were drafted.” The mentioned concussion protocols will keep the players from playing if they are experiencing ataxia. The condition, according to the National Ataxia Foundation, is a rare neurological disease that affects a person’s mobility due to damage to the cerebellum. Poor muscle control leads to a lack of coordination, as well.

Member Stories

Terry Jr

My name is Terrence A Reed Jr, retired U.S. Army. I also served in four combat zones (1 Afghanistan, 3 Iraq). Now that I think back, I think I first Read More…

Tammie Hill

I have a genetic disorder called Batten Disease-CLN2. Doctors don’t know why I didn’t start showing symptoms until I was in my forties- this usually only happens to very young Read More…

David Brown

I was a high school baseball coach for 25 seasons and had a successful 20 years in as the Public Address announcer for all the programs football and basketball games Read More…

Patrick Schmoll

I was correctly diagnosed with genetic Spinal Cerebellar Ataxia in my early 30’s. Although I have been feeling the effects since my late teens (Not sure which SCA number). As Read More…

Larry

This past January I woke up with balance issues. Within a week I was using a cane. In June, my neurologist diagnosed me as having sensory ataxia. My condition seems Read More…

Amanda Ryder

In medical school, one of my professors told me I had a gait disorder. I told him, “No I don’t!” Well, he was right of course. 20 years or so Read More…

MEDIA INQUIRIES – CONTACT
Stephanie Lucas
Communications Director
stephanie@ataxia.org | 763-231-2744

To request a press release to be issued by NAF, submit the information using our Press Release Request Form.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Translate »

Join the Ataxia community today!

Become a free member for exclusive content from NAF.