Nearly half of people with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) in the U.K. have insufficient vitamin D levels, although these levels were not associated with measures of disease severity, a new analysis shows. In addition, nearly 30% of patients had vitamin D levels in the deficiency range, meaning their levels were…

A few days ago, I heard a scientist talk about the randomness of being born. For example, what are the chances of your parents — and all of their ancestors — meeting? Then there’s the sperm that wins the race against millions of others to the egg. It all seems…

In 2018, when Nell Choi was 9 years old, she began experiencing symptoms that led to hospitalization and a diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), type positive. A month later, when Nell came home, she was weak, in a wheelchair, and had lost 20 pounds. To…

I recently met with an administrator at my children’s school to discuss their experiences, their current grades, and how we can set them up for success in the next school year. As we discussed their dyslexia and its effect on their academic abilities, we also spoke about the unexpected gifts…

For a long time, I thought the moment I’d start using a wheelchair would be my choice. It wouldn’t be an easy one, of course, but it would still be my decision. Living with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) often feels like a series of choices: Cane or no cane?…