Dozens ‘walk and roll’ along Alki to raise money for ataxia research

After gathering at a picnic shelter along the Alki promenade, the participants in this morning’s Walk ‘n’ Roll for Ataxia (about 50 by our informal count) headed out eastbound along the beach, with these young banner-carriers leading the way:

Ataxia is a nervous-system disorder (explained here) that in some cases can turn deadly. Researchers are working on some studies that show promise, but as with all research, it takes money, so events like this one are geared toward raising some. You can donate to the cause any time by going here.

Kerrylea Stippes October 2, 2010 (2:00 pm)

Although ataxia is a somewhat-rare and little-heard-of disease, I personally know of at least four long-term residents of West Seattle who have struggled with it for many years. Two of them are my own daughters, born and raised in West Seattle. Although they receive no direct funding from the monies raised at today’s Walk ‘n’ Roll, our hopes for the development of treatments for the disease–and, ultimately, a cure–are tied to ongoing medical research. Donations to the Walk ‘n’ Roll will help to fund that research and also to increase awareness of the disease. Therefore, we are deeply grateful for each and every donation received. If you missed the Walk ‘n’ Roll, you can make a donation to the National Ataxia Foundation–or just learn more about the disease–at any time via the NAF website ( http://www.ataxia.org ). They can also be reached by telephone at 1 (763) 553-0020. Thank you, West Seattle, for all your support!