Let’s make winning contagious in 2026
I'll continue setting myself up for wins by walking when it is safe to do so
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My husband, Kyle, who will turn 38 next month, has been involved in sports since the age of 5. He played baseball in college and learned numerous life lessons that have shaped him into the kind of husband, father, co-worker, coach, and volunteer he is today.
To provide some background, we recently met with the team of teachers for our 11-year-old son. During the meeting, Kyle explained that we are trying to help our son achieve some “wins” to rebuild his confidence and determination.
He explained his college baseball coach’s philosophy that “winning is contagious,” meaning that the positive feelings you gain after a win can be so powerful that you seek to win again. What’s more, you see how your efforts contributed to making that win happen, and put more effort into moving things forward positively to keep gaining success.
Simple, yet wise advice
2025 ended with some undeniably catastrophic losses for me, one of which was fracturing my femur.
I was already nearing the end of my walking days and increasingly reliant on my wheelchair, but this injury, surgery, and recovery forced me to fast-forward my transition to wheelchair dependence. I grew bitter and defeated. I’m still dealing with lingering depression from such an intense upheaval. But then I decided it was time to start setting myself up to win.
In mid-December, Kyle and I visited with neurologist David Lynch at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia as a follow-up to my 2013 visit. We talked at length about my injury and recovery, and my frustrations with being forced to use my wheelchair more than I had planned to right now. He asked me point-blank whether there was a medical need to avoid walking. I said that, physically, I feel about the same as I did before the fracture, just weaker due to inactivity. I said it is more of a mental hurdle than a physical one right now because I am terrified of falling again.
His reply was simple: “Do what you can to get over that and just start walking again.” I felt so motivated to try to regain my mobility.
After Christmas, we rented a big river house with another family to hang out and ring in the new year. I made the bold choice not to bring my wheelchair, but rather my rollator with a transport chair attachment for outings. It was a real “sink or swim” moment.
It wasn’t easy, and my internal dialogue sounded a lot like, “You won’t fall. You can do this. One step at a time. Don’t fall. Don’t fall. Don’t fall.” It felt simultaneously reckless and empowering. I realized I was starting 2026 with a win.
Now that I’m home, I’d say I spend about half of my waking hours walking, and the other half using my wheelchair. This feels sustainable and doable, so I’ll continue setting myself up for wins by walking when it is safe to do so. When I’m really tired, by myself, or in a hurry, I’ll make the safe choice to use my chair.
Recovery is a process, but luckily, Friedreich’s ataxia has given me 12 years of experience in adapting to things that are beyond my control. So, to 2026 I say, “Bring it on!” Let’s get some wins this year.
“Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will give you strength, and for sure I will help you. Yes, I will hold you up with My right hand that is right and good.” — Isaiah 41:10
Note: Friedreich’s Ataxia News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Friedreich’s Ataxia News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Friedreich’s ataxia.
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