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 can’t put my finger on exactly what triggered my recent musings about responsibility, but apparently, we can’t escape our thoughts. Trust me, I’ve tried. My last column focused on the heightened sense of responsibility I’ve learned to…
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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…
I’ve spent the last six weeks planning and thinking about the things that are important to me. Most of my time and mental energy is focused on personal goals, finances, de:terminence (the nonprofit organization I founded), and habits…
In some ways, I’m probably late to the party. Like many of my friends and fellow columnists at Friedreich’s Ataxia News, adapting to change has been part of living with a progressive disease. I’ve read…
It’s hard to believe we’ve started another year with COVID-19 still in the headlines and on everyone’s mind. I’ve always felt that each year passes faster than expected, but the past two years seem to have flown by even…
This time of year is always chaotic yet fun for me. I enjoy good sweater weather, hot cocoa, and the many Christmas lights I see while driving around town. The chaos comes in many different forms, such as…
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