10/17/2025
Dana has embraced a remarkable challenge: a 26-mile hike through the Grand Canyon dedicated to raising awareness and vital funds for ataxia research. Having lived with ataxia for 20 years, I understand the daily struggles it brings, fundamentally changing our lives. It's changed my life with my two boys, now adults, from playing catch to riding a wave. On October 8th, we’ll also celebrate 37 wonderful years of marriage.
Dana has been rigorously training for this extreme hike for over three months. She has devoted her weekends to long walks and hit the gym three times a week, investing countless hours in researching the best equipment, shoes, and planning her food, water, and clothing for the journey ahead.
She’ll be hiking alongside 17 others, setting off at 3 a.m. with headlamps lighting their way. It’s expected to take about six hours to reach the canyon's bottom and another seven to eight hours to climb back up, so this trek is labeled extreme.
I have felt fortunate since I began dating Dana and throughout our marriage. She is the most humble and caring person I know. She took on this challenge without hesitation, and I couldn’t be prouder of my wife and best friend.
Dana will wear seven ribbons, each representing a close friend we’ve lost to ataxia (SCA). I take comfort in knowing they’ll be with her, watching over her as she undertakes this extreme journey.
Her courage is truly an inspiration to me and to the entire ataxia community. You can follow Dana's adventures and amazing photos and subscribe to her blog. https://8thwonder.blog
Ataxia is like a thief. It keeps taking until there’s nothing left to take.
Dana has embraced a remarkable challenge: a 26-mile hike through the Grand Canyon dedicated to raising awareness and vital funds for ataxia research. Having lived with ataxia for 20 years, I understand the daily struggles it brings, fundamentally changing our lives. It's changed my life with my two boys, now adults, from playing catch to riding a wave. On October 8th, we’ll also celebrate 37 wonderful years of marriage.
Dana has been rigorously training for this extreme hike for over three months. She has devoted her weekends to long walks and hit the gym three times a week, investing countless hours in researching the best equipment, shoes, and planning her food, water, and clothing for the journey ahead.
She’ll be hiking alongside 17 others, setting off at 3 a.m. with headlamps lighting their way. It’s expected to take about six hours to reach the canyon's bottom and another seven to eight hours to climb back up, so this trek is labeled extreme.
I have felt fortunate since I began dating Dana and throughout our marriage. She is the most humble and caring person I know. She took on this challenge without hesitation, and I couldn’t be prouder of my wife and best friend.
Dana will wear seven ribbons, each representing a close friend we’ve lost to ataxia (SCA). I take comfort in knowing they’ll be with her, watching over her as she undertakes this extreme journey.
Her courage is truly an inspiration to me and to the entire ataxia community. You can follow Dana's adventures and amazing photos and subscribe to her blog. https://8thwonder.blog
Ataxia is like a thief. It keeps taking until there’s nothing left to take.
Dana has embraced a remarkable challenge: a 26-mile hike through the Grand Canyon dedicated to raising awareness and vital funds for ataxia research. Having lived with ataxia for 20 years, I understand the daily struggles it brings, fundamentally changing our lives. It's changed my life with my two boys, now adults, from playing catch to riding a wave. On October 8th, we’ll also celebrate 37 wonderful years of marriage.
Dana has been rigorously training for this extreme hike for over three months. She has devoted her weekends to long walks and hit the gym three times a week, investing countless hours in researching the best equipment, shoes, and planning her food, water, and clothing for the journey ahead.
She’ll be hiking alongside 17 others, setting off at 3 a.m. with headlamps lighting their way. It’s expected to take about six hours to reach the canyon's bottom and another seven to eight hours to climb back up, so this trek is labeled extreme.
I have felt fortunate since I began dating Dana and throughout our marriage. She is the most humble and caring person I know. She took on this challenge without hesitation, and I couldn’t be prouder of my wife and best friend.
Dana will wear seven ribbons, each representing a close friend we’ve lost to ataxia (SCA). I take comfort in knowing they’ll be with her, watching over her as she undertakes this extreme journey.
Her courage is truly an inspiration to me and to the entire ataxia community. You can follow Dana's adventures and amazing photos and subscribe to her blog. https://8thwonder.blog
Ataxia is like a thief. It keeps taking until there’s nothing left to take.
Dana has embraced a remarkable challenge: a 26-mile hike through the Grand Canyon dedicated to raising awareness and vital funds for ataxia research. Having lived with ataxia for 20 years, I understand the daily struggles it brings, fundamentally changing our lives. It's changed my life with my two boys, now adults, from playing catch to riding a wave. On October 8th, we’ll also celebrate 37 wonderful years of marriage.
Dana has been rigorously training for this extreme hike for over three months. She has devoted her weekends to long walks and hit the gym three times a week, investing countless hours in researching the best equipment, shoes, and planning her food, water, and clothing for the journey ahead.
She’ll be hiking alongside 17 others, setting off at 3 a.m. with headlamps lighting their way. It’s expected to take about six hours to reach the canyon's bottom and another seven to eight hours to climb back up, so this trek is labeled extreme.
I have felt fortunate since I began dating Dana and throughout our marriage. She is the most humble and caring person I know. She took on this challenge without hesitation, and I couldn’t be prouder of my wife and best friend.
Dana will wear seven ribbons, each representing a close friend we’ve lost to ataxia (SCA). I take comfort in knowing they’ll be with her, watching over her as she undertakes this extreme journey.
Her courage is truly an inspiration to me and to the entire ataxia community. You can follow Dana's adventures and amazing photos and subscribe to her blog. https://8thwonder.blog
Ataxia is like a thief. It keeps taking until there’s nothing left to take.
U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationNational Ataxia Foundation
