Ataxia Connection

Ataxia Connection Ataxia Connection's goal is to lessen the isolation many with Ataxia feel and support them and their caregivers. Service areas in NE, IA, MO, IL, & NC.

We offer support group activities and financial support to assist with needs associated with ataxia. Ataxia Connection is committed to helping those affected by ataxia through hands-on assistance, education and awareness, support for caregivers, and funding for medical therapies, equipment, and research. Furthering this mission, Ataxia Connection provides a support system for people living with at

axia. Ataxia Connection works to keep those with ataxia from feeling isolated, raises money for support programs, educates the community about ataxia, and builds a network of community partners.

In today’s Faces Behind the Mission, meet Tonya Vyhlidal, one of our dedicated board members. Tonya first got involved w...
05/19/2026

In today’s Faces Behind the Mission, meet Tonya Vyhlidal, one of our dedicated board members. Tonya first got involved with Ataxia Connection through Theresa, our Executive Director, as they share a deep passion for supporting the health and wellbeing of others.

When asked what she wishes more people knew about Ataxia, Tonya shared: “The massive amount of mental, emotional, social, and financial support that is available to help improve the quality of life for those diagnosed, as well as the emotional support available to caregivers and loved ones.”

Outside of her involvement with Ataxia Connection, Tonya enjoys teaching both college courses and fitness classes. We are so grateful for Tonya and the compassion, dedication, and strength she brings to our mission!

Meet Loren 🧡Loren is an 18-year-old navigating life with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA), a rare neurological condition that af...
05/17/2026

Meet Loren 🧡

Loren is an 18-year-old navigating life with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA), a rare neurological condition that affects balance, coordination, and speech.

Loren graduated high school this spring and plans to attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln following spinal surgery this fall.

Last month, Loren was recognized at Doane University and had his writing published in their magazine. In his piece, he shares his experience participating in a clinical trial for FA. You can find his published work on page 40 at the link below.

https://9d0890eb-c362-4536-8e9c-5710a7767250.filesusr.com/ugd/1ca57e_f2da598243e84515a0592ba66ffd4404.pdf

This FA Awareness Month, we’re honored to share Loren’s story and help raise understanding about what living with Friedreich’s Ataxia really looks like.✨

Join us on Saturday, June 6th, for our Summer Picnic & Walk N Roll. We’ll start with a short walk or roll and play a han...
05/15/2026

Join us on Saturday, June 6th, for our Summer Picnic & Walk N Roll. We’ll start with a short walk or roll and play a hand of poker, followed by lunch. There will also be games and prizes, plus a food truck for lunch.

This social activity requires an RSVP and is an in person event only. It’s a great way to connect with others in the community.

Join us on Saturday, March 16th, for our Birds of a Feather support group.During this support group activity, participan...
05/13/2026

Join us on Saturday, March 16th, for our Birds of a Feather support group.

During this support group activity, participants divide into two groups, ataxians and caregivers, to allow for more open, honest, and meaningful conversation. Each group is guided by a facilitator who helps support discussion and connection. Birds of a Feather does not have a scheduled topic so conversations are driven by the participants and focus on shared experiences, challenges, and support in a welcoming, understanding environment.

This activity meets from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and is held in person. This activity will not be held over zoom.

Early Bird gets the… birdie?🐦⛳️Don’t wait! Secure your spot for the Ataxia Connections Annual Golf Challenge by June 30t...
05/12/2026

Early Bird gets the… birdie?🐦⛳️

Don’t wait! Secure your spot for the Ataxia Connections Annual Golf Challenge by June 30th to save!

The Details:
📍 Tiburon Golf Club
🕚 11:30 AM Registration
🕐 1:00 PM Shotgun Start

What’s in it for you? 18 holes of golf, cart, dinner, a free mulligan, and a chance to win a $200 gift card.

Register your foursome now:
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/nagolfchallenge/

Meet Sunny💜Sunny is a mom of two navigating life with late-onset Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA), a rare neurodegenerative cond...
05/11/2026

Meet Sunny💜

Sunny is a mom of two navigating life with late-onset Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA), a rare neurodegenerative condition.

“With a neurodegenerative disease comes a lot of grief.”

Sunny focuses on finding joy in the little things—love, laughter, and connection, especially through Ataxia Connection.

This FA Awareness Month, we’re grateful to share Sunny’s perspective and help raise awareness about the realities of living with Friedreich’s Ataxia✨

Did you know the onset of Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) can vary by age?Early onset: Symptoms begin before age 7�Typical onse...
05/09/2026

Did you know the onset of Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) can vary by age?

Early onset: Symptoms begin before age 7�Typical onset: Symptoms begin between ages 8–14�Intermediate onset: Symptoms begin between ages 15–24�Late onset: Symptoms begin after age 25

Understanding the different onset types helps highlight how FA can affect individuals differently across the lifespan. Raising awareness leads to earlier recognition, stronger support, and greater understanding of the FA community.

Join us in congratulating our Program and Communications Coordinator, Alyssa Hammers on her graduation from the Universi...
05/09/2026

Join us in congratulating our Program and Communications Coordinator, Alyssa Hammers on her graduation from the University of Nebraska at Omaha! We are so excited for you and feel blessed that you are a special part of the Ataxia Connection Community 💙

Meet Trystyn💚Trystyn is a 15-year-old navigating life with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA), a rare neurological condition that ...
05/07/2026

Meet Trystyn💚

Trystyn is a 15-year-old navigating life with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA), a rare neurological condition that affects his balance, coordination, and speech.

“Everything takes effort and has to be thought about in terms of conserving my energy.”

He also wishes people understood how hard it can be not to feel envious of others his age who are able to do everyday things with ease, even something as simple as going to school or running to the store.

This FA Awareness Month, we’re honored to share Trystyn’s story and help raise understanding about what living with Friedreich’s Ataxia really looks like.✨

We are grateful to our returning Longest Drive Sponsor, 12th State Nutrition & 12th State CrossFit, for continuing to br...
05/06/2026

We are grateful to our returning Longest Drive Sponsor, 12th State Nutrition & 12th State CrossFit, for continuing to bring fun competition to the course while supporting direct services for ataxia patients and caregivers in North Carolina.

Time for Early Bird team pricing is running out! ⛳ Secure your foursome before rates increase after June 15 to join us for a premier golf day at Prestonwood Country Club!

Register your team today 🔗 https://secure.qgiv.com/event/acgcnc26/

In today’s Faces Behind the Mission meet Natalie Gregory, one of our wonderful board members. Natalie first became assoc...
05/05/2026

In today’s Faces Behind the Mission meet Natalie Gregory, one of our wonderful board members. Natalie first became associated with the organization after a family friend was diagnosed with ataxia, which inspired her to get involved and make a difference. Natalie had some knowledge of Ataxia and its effects on speech from her previous work as a speech pathologist.

When asked what she wishes more people knew about ataxia Natalie shared: “My wish for others is to gain a better understanding of this disease.”

Outside of her involvement with AtaxiaConnection, Natalie enjoys pickleball and spending time with friends and family. We are so grateful for Natalie’s compassion and dedication to our mission.

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Omaha, NE

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(402) 979-6331

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