Massachusetts-based Jean Walsh was diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia 40 years ago at 19 years old. She believes there’s one facet of disease that should be considered as much a part of life with Friedreich’s ataxia as its primary physical symptoms.

Of course my main focus in life is mental health. So I just wish that people were more aware of how much — any kind of illness but — Friedreich’s ataxia affects your mental health. Yeah, I think I wish people were more accepting and it was more of a standard like kind of part of your diagnosis.