Why the Movie ‘The Ataxian’ Is So Important to the FA Community

On February 26, 2018, the movie The Ataxian was finally released to the public. If you’re not familiar with the film, it features Kyle Bryant and Sean Baumstark, two FA patients along with two of their lifelong friends as they complete the Race Across America (RAAM) — also known as “the toughest bike race in the world.” Made up of 3,000 miles and a nine-day deadline, this four-man team cycled from Southern California to Maryland to raise awareness of Friedreich’s ataxia.

Critics have praised the film, saying, “Stunning cinematography exposes raw, unfiltered emotions juxtaposed against the most inspiring landscapes across America. With purity and grace, the film examines the life of a man aggressively living every moment in a race against his own mortality.”

MORE: How to find your coping mechanisms

The Ataxian Trailer from Redwood Creek Entertainment on Vimeo.

Why this is big for the FA community
Friedreich’s ataxia is hard to explain to friends and loved ones. The movie helps people from all different walks of life understand the seriousness, symptoms and severity of FA. How to Find Your Coping Mechanisms Interviews with fellow patients, parents, friends, and doctors, help others see the personal side of the disease.

Connect with other people and share tips on how to manage FA in our forums!

The movie was completed years after the actual race due to editing and all the other things needed to make a spectacular film. It was always shown at small viewing parties, movie festivals and fundraisers. But now that the movie has become available on iTunes, Xbox and Amazon Prime, a lot more people will get to see it.

Whether or not you have ataxia, the movie The Ataxian will change you. It makes you see that no matter the obstacles life throws at you, you can find a way through. Kyle and his constant drive to raise awareness and motivation to complete the race is amazing in itself.

The Ataxian is well worth the purchase! The FA community has been waiting for the opportunity to share this story with the world and it’s finally here! It’s especially helpful if you’ve been trying to get others to understand some of the battles you face. It is a great movie for all ages and it’s a perfect story, including heartbreak, hard work, hope, friendship, support and inspiration.

MORE: Why patience is so important when you have FA

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.