The Wobbles Project

27/04/2026

Life has a way of throwing us off course, and for the last few months, I’ve been navigating some of my deepest "wobbles" yet. In today’s video, I’m sharing an honest update on where I’ve been, the loss of my mom, and why I’ve decided to bring this channel back to its roots: Documenting Wobbles.

📍 In This Video:
• The Reality of Grief: Opening up about the passing of my mother and how it changed my perspective on life.
• A Shift in Perspective: Realizing the "spoils" I once had and finding the strength to start over.
• The Name Change: Why we are moving back to Documenting Wobbles to encompass my whole journey, not just the project.
• The Wobbles Project Update: How we’re pivoting our tablet donations to make a more sustainable impact.
• A Special Thank You: To Leanne and Peter for their incredible generosity in donating a new tablet to the cause.
✨ Join the Journey
The road ahead looks different than I imagined, but "good things are coming." I’m committed to showing you every aspect of this life—the highs, the lows, and the moments in between. We are going back to basics, one tablet and one story at a time.
I’ll spot you guys in the long grass! 🌿

The Wobbles Project: https://www.wobblesproject.com/support-us/
Buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/thewobblesproject
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheWobblesProject
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Our Socials:
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https://youtu.be/J782RPhytgY

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Post 81 | Finding My Way Back: Why I’m Returning to Documenting Wobbles

04/01/2026

You can find more information by using this link. It will take you to the resources used to create this post if you want to learn more about the topic and the underlying pathology: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1g27QbzVhaYhFHaZ7Imm1F7zqB5f1LjMl?usp=sharing

The Silent Threat in Friedreich's Ataxia (FRDA): Optic Atrophy
Friedreich's Ataxia (FRDA) is a progressive disorder known for its impact on coordination, but it is also a significant cause of damage to the optic nerve—a condition called optic atrophy.
What You Need to Know:
1. High Prevalence, Low Symptom Rate: Optic nerve involvement is very common in FRDA, with clinical optic atrophy occurring in approximately 25% of individuals. Crucially, this damage is often asymptomatic (silent) in the early stages, progressing long before high contrast vision declines.

2. The Root Cause: The pathology stems from frataxin deficiency, leading to mitochondrial failure and oxidative stress, which causes the slow, progressive death of the Retinal Ganglion Cells whose axons form the optic nerve.

3. Key Symptom: The hallmark of this condition is often a subtle, measurable decline in Low Contrast Visual Acuity—difficulty seeing objects clearly in poor lighting or distinguishing subtle shades of grey.

4. Action is Key: Because the damage is often subclinical, objective testing is mandatory. Regular ophthalmological screenings, including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans, are essential to quantify the thinning of the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer and monitor progression.

5. Intervention: Current approaches include systemic treatments like Omaveloxolone (SKYCLARYS™), which aims to slow disease progression by reducing oxidative stress. For those with symptomatic vision loss, specialized Low Vision and Visual Rehabilitation Programs are vital, often utilizing electronic and voice-activated assistive technologies to maintain functional independence despite coexisting ataxia.

Early detection and intervention are crucial for preserving vision in the FRDA community. If you or a loved one has FRDA, ensure objective neuro-ophthalmic monitoring is part of your regular care plan.

Additional Resources:
The Wobbles Project: https://www.wobblesproject.com/support-us/
Buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/thewobblesproject
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheWobblesProject
Intermarketing: https://www.intermarketingza.co.za
Our Socials:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewobblesproject/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewobblesproject/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/

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Ditch the wobble blues, join fellow FA adventurers & laugh your way through challenges with "Dissecting Wobbles" author Andrew Marshall - subscribe to rock your world with tech, humor & resilience! Conquering symptoms: From fatigue to balance, Andrew's got your back and knees with expert tips and tr...

28/12/2025

"Next year is going to be my year." 🌟
Andrew Marshall, author of Dissecting Wobbles: This is just how I roll and the heart behind The Wobbles Project, checks in with a special Christmas and New Year message for the community.
In this candid update, Andrew reflects on the challenges of the past year and shares his unwavering optimism for what’s ahead. Despite the "rough" patches—and a minor fashion emergency involving a pair of highly resilient (if not exactly "aesthetically pleasing") glasses—Andrew is looking forward to a year filled with big plans and new milestones.
Whether you've been following The Wobbles Project from the start or you're just joining the journey, this message is a reminder that no matter how many times we "wobble," we keep rolling forward.
In this video, Andrew discusses:
• Reflections on the Year: Acknowledging the hurdles of the past months.
• Looking Ahead: Why Andrew believes next year is the one to watch.
• A "Clear" Vision: The story behind the duct-taped glasses and the kindness that kept them functional.
• Holiday Wishes: A warm Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the entire Wobbles community.
About The Wobbles Project
Founded by Andrew Marshall, The Wobbles Project aims to share authentic stories of resilience, disability advocacy, and the reality of living life with a unique perspective. Andrew’s book, Dissecting Wobbles: This is just how I roll, is available now for those looking to dive deeper into his journey.
Additional Resources:
The Wobbles Project: https://www.wobblesproject.com/support-us/
Buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/thewobblesproject
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheWobblesProject
Intermarketing: https://www.intermarketingza.co.za
Our Socials:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewobblesproject/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewobblesproject/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/
https://youtu.be/ETfk8h1aAMI

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"Next year is going to be my year." 🌟Andrew Marshall, author of Dissecting Wobbles: This is just how I roll and the heart behind The Wobbles Project, checks...

14/12/2025

If you want to find out more about Friedreich's Ataxia and Areflexia please read this report:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SmBPAdeMdwoa5Pf9-wizQcy7dtlYKUVi/view?usp=sharing

The Silent Symptom: Understanding Areflexia in Friedreich's Ataxia (FRDA)

Did you know that Areflexia—the absence of deep tendon reflexes, particularly in the lower
limbs—is not just a common symptom, but an obligatory primary sign for the diagnosis of
classical Friedreich's Ataxia (FRDA)?

This clinical sign is a critical window into the deepest pathology of this progressive, hereditary
disorder.
The Scientific Basis of Areflexia in FRDA:
1. The Genetic Root: FRDA, the most frequent inherited ataxia, is caused by a mutation
that results in a severe deficiency of the vital mitochondrial protein, frataxin.
2. The Toxic Environment: Frataxin deficiency leads to profound mitochondrial
dysfunction and overwhelming oxidative stress. This environment is highly toxic to
high-energy-demand cells.
3. The Selective Destruction: The most vulnerable cells are the large proprioceptive
sensory neurons housed in the Dorsal Root Ganglia (DRG). These neurons are
responsible for carrying the signal required for the deep tendon reflex.
4. The Result: The selective loss and atrophy of these DRG neurons breaks the sensory
(afferent) side of the reflex arc, resulting in clinical areflexia and the associated loss of
position sense. This damage is the structural explanation for much of the observed gait
instability, which is a sensory ataxia.
A Core Indicator of Disease Severity
The presence and degree of areflexia act as a crucial clinical barometer for the overall, systemic
burden of FRDA. If frataxin levels are high enough to preserve reflex function (as seen in the
FARR variant), patients often experience a milder disease course and fewer systemic
complications.
Interventions Focused on Preservation
Given that the areflexia results from irreversible neuronal loss, current therapeutic efforts focus
on neuroprotection to slow the disease's progression.
• Omaveloxolone (SkyclarysTM), the first FDA-approved treatment (for ages 16+) , works
by activating the Nrf2 pathway, enhancing mitochondrial function, and fighting oxidative
stress.
• Clinical trials show that this treatment can significantly slow neurological decline,
providing a path to preserve remaining neurological and sensory function.
Understanding the meaning behind the absent reflex is essential for driving early diagnosis and
ensuring comprehensive, multidisciplinary management.

Additional Resources:
The Wobbles Project: https://www.wobblesproject.com/support-us/
Buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/thewobblesproject
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheWobblesProject
Intermarketing: https://www.intermarketingza.co.za
Our Socials:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewobblesproject/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewobblesproject/

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07/12/2025

Join Andrew Marshall, author of “Dissecting Wobbles: This is just how I roll.” and founder of The Wobbles Project, as he provides an important update on his foot and toe management journey.
In this video, Andrew documents the stretches he performs to help manage his joints, specifically focusing on the progress he's made with his toes since his last update.
What's in the video?
• Toe & Foot Documentation: Andrew shows the current condition of his feet and discusses how stretching has impacted his toes.
• Splint Demonstration: He reveals the new toe splint he recently acquired online, which helps pull his big toes open.
• Physiotherapy Plan: Andrew shares his future plans to get a custom splint from his physiotherapist to wear at night. This splint is designed to straighten his feet and help pull down the arches.
• Stretch Routine: With help from Timothy, Andrew demonstrates a key stretching technique. This involves separating the toes and pulling them apart to stretch the muscles along the side of the foot and ankle, helping with joint stiffness and bending.
This video is a raw, honest look at the day-to-day work required for managing physical conditions, and it offers insight into the techniques Andrew uses.
🔔 Subscribe for more updates and insights from Andrew Marshall and The Wobbles Project!
Additional Resources:
The Wobbles Project: https://www.wobblesproject.com/support-us/
Buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/thewobblesproject
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheWobblesProject
Intermarketing: https://www.intermarketingza.co.za
Our Socials:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewobblesproject/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewobblesproject/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/
https://youtu.be/B-wtiK9uyvM
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Join Andrew Marshall, author of “Dissecting Wobbles: This is just how I roll.” and founder of The Wobbles Project, as he provides an important update on his ...

02/12/2025

Friedreich’s Ataxia & Foot Health
If you want to find out more, you can read the full report here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SkqXHzKPZOoqbao6bDc9LG1vAX7MakDe/view?usp=drive_link

🧠🦶 Did you know?
For many people living with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA), the condition doesn’t only affect balance and coordination—it can dramatically change the structure of the feet.
One of the most common complications is pes cavus, a high-arched foot deformity, which occurs in over half of individuals with FA. This unusually elevated arch forces weight onto the ball and heel of the foot, leading to painful calluses, instability, difficulty walking, and frequent falls.
Another serious deformity, pes equinovarus, causes the foot to point downward and turn inward, making standing and movement even more challenging as the disease progresses.
👣 How it impacts daily life
• Reduced shock absorption and balance
• Increased pain from pressure points and calluses
• Higher risk of ankle injuries and falls
• Difficulty standing, transferring, or walking without support

⚕️ What can help
Early intervention can make a difference.
✔ Physical therapy & stretching to slow progression
✔ Custom orthotics & supportive footwear
✔ AFO braces for stability and safer walking
✔ Surgical correction only when absolutely necessary and beneficial
________________________________________
💙 Why awareness matters
Foot deformities in FA are often invisible struggles until they severely limit mobility. Understanding these challenges helps us fight stigma, support early care, and advocate for research and accessibility.
✨ If you know someone living with Friedreich’s Ataxia, remind them they’re not alone.
📢 Please share this to help raise awareness and support the FA community.

Additional Resources:
The Wobbles Project: https://www.wobblesproject.com/support-us/
Buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/thewobblesproject
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheWobblesProject
Intermarketing: https://www.intermarketingza.co.za
Our Socials:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewobblesproject/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewobblesproject/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/

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Ditch the wobble blues, join fellow FA adventurers & laugh your way through challenges with "Dissecting Wobbles" author Andrew Marshall - subscribe to rock your world with tech, humor & resilience! Conquering symptoms: From fatigue to balance, Andrew's got your back and knees with expert tips and tr...