Sean Baumstark lives with Friedreich’s ataxia and embodies the mantra “get stuff done.” Sean ran his first 10k three weeks after being diagnosed in 2007. He believes excuses hold us back from being our best. He is the founder of de:terminence, a nonprofit helping disabled individuals experience the beauty and power of physical achievement. He is a subject in the documentary film, “The Ataxian,” which chronicles a four-man team competing in Race Across America. He co-hosts the weekly podcast, “Two Disabled Dudes,” which encourages listeners to “live beyond circumstances.” He lives and works in Sacramento, California.
I’m just a few weeks from crossing the five-year mark since writing my first column for Friedreich’s Ataxia News. With that milestone approaching, I went back and read some of my old columns. Many made me…
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Occasionally, a random and seemingly minuscule thought sticks with me and eventually consumes my mind. I’ve never thought of myself as intelligent, but I have always been hopeful that I am getting wiser as I age. Some of…
I’m not a fan of cold weather at all. Even when I could manage my legs with skis or a snowboard attached, I was never interested in being out in the snow. Of course, I enjoy the views…
One of the few lines I, and most others, remember from the movie “Forrest Gump” is, “Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” It often comes to mind when…
With Thanksgiving just days away, I’ve been participating in many exercises in which I’ve had to mention things I’m thankful for. This is a familiar routine this time of year. As I’ve aged and Friedreich’s ataxia (FA)…
Thanksgiving is an important holiday in the U.S., and as it’s just over a week away, it’s sparking many ideas for writing topics. (If you read my last column, you know I appreciate all the help I can…
I rarely have the foresight to make a note about something I want to write about. Instead, I often sit and stare at a blank document. While sitting and staring, I replay the experiences I’ve had over recent weeks,…
Not long ago, I had the pleasure of recording a Zoom session with fellow Friedreich’s Ataxia News columnist Kendall Harvey. Kendall wrote a column that inspired my podcast co-host, Kyle Bryant, and me to dig a little…
Advocacy can be a tricky, give-and-take process. So often those of us living with disabilities are faced with mixed emotions as we go about our daily activities. On the one hand, we’re told to be grateful for our remaining…
Tensions are always high and opinions seem to be loudest whenever it’s election season. Of course, it’s best to avoid the topic of politics at holiday gatherings, meet-and-greets, and in this column. However, given all the recent…
I recently returned to an old, bad habit that can take up too much of my time if I’m not careful. I enjoy game nights with friends and family, but those nights are few and far between. So…
Today at work, my small team visited two of our stores and facilitated friendly competitions in the grocery sport of bagging. July is the beginning of our monthslong pursuit of identifying the best bagger of our company, Nugget Markets,…
I thoroughly enjoy the unexpected twists and turns and the adrenaline rush of roller-coaster rides. I’ve loved roller coasters since I was old and tall enough to ride them. My first experience on one, however, before I was tall…
I can’t exactly put my finger on why, but for a long time, I thought success had to do with how many friends I had. How many of them called me by name and went out of their way…
The progressive nature of Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) has been a common topic for me lately. From talking with a friend over dinner about changes I experience to discussing on my podcast the many ways in…
I met a friend for dinner recently, and we talked about the changes I’ve observed in my capabilities in the last several months. Not only did we have a pleasant conversation, but in celebration of Cinco de Mayo, we…
I’m often entertained every time I search online for any “national day of” lists. I don’t know who is in charge of them, but they seem to change often, and no one source agrees on every recognition. With May…
I’ve had a central theme rolling around my mind recently: Perhaps I overcomplicate things. More often than not, to be completely forthcoming, the exact question has been, “Do we overcomplicate things?” But who am I to question the human…
I often compartmentalize all the significant elements of my life, and my journey with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is no exception. I work eight hours a day and leave work behind for the other 16 hours. When it comes to…
A few years back, I wrote a letter to my mom describing my perspective on life and myself. While there was no urgent need to write such a letter, I had a deep desire to affirm for her, as…
I have several friends I’m still actively connected with today who have known me for years. Some knew me when I worked in church ministry, while others knew me as a gas station attendant. A few have been in…
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