I remember getting to the pool early one summer morning before swimming lessons began. I wasn’t a swim…
Matt Lafleur
Matthew's life doesn’t look like what he imagined when he was an active Cajun boy. Once diagnosed at age 11 with Friedreich’s ataxia, he threw himself into books, writing, and studies, achieving a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in mental health counseling. Writing a column at Friedreich’s Ataxia News and serving as the associate director of columns for its parent company BioNews is a perfect combination of his two degrees. He notes life’s small, often overlooked successes in his column. In progressive disability, Matt tries to notice his little victories, hoping that others notice their own ... or something like that.
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Articles by Matt Lafleur
“Well look at that,” the doctor remarked, obviously impressed. The wonder in his voice made me…
Why I Choose to Use a Wheelchair
My alarm goes off at 6 a.m. I open my eyes to my service dog, Zeego, who still…
Editor’s note: This week’s column is co-authored by Kyle Bryant, founder of rideATAXIA, spokesman for for the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research…
“Forty needles! I think that’s a record over here!” I was lying on my stomach on…
“Look at the mirror on the wall. Can you tell me what letters you see?” I…
The clanky metallic sounds are what I remember most. Pap-pap! And then a…
Rolling Toward Empathy
About a decade ago, I read a local news report about a pizzeria…
The original date for this year’s rideATAXIA Dallas was March 28. This would…
I’ve been thinking a lot about identity lately. Who am I to myself?…