USF Health SPTRS Clinical Faculty member, Dr. Matthew Lazinski, and his wife, Melissa, participated in rideATAXIA’s First International Adventure in July 2017. This event aimed to unite the patient community by empowering individuals through physical activity and drawing attention to opportunities involving clinical research and awareness of Friedreich’a ataxia (FA). FA is caused by an autosomal recessive gene that results in a chromosomal mutation. Individuals with this disorder experience progressive limb and gait issues, loss of joint position, and absent tendon reflexes in their legs.

RideATAXIA is an event sponsored by FARA, Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance. During the beginning of July, 21 riders from the United States and 30 riders from France came together for a 350-mile ride from Strasbourg, France to Lentilly, France in rideATAXIA’s first overseas adventure.