Some people say,” what would Jesus do?” I say, “what would Brianne do?” No, I’m not comparing my wife with Jesus. It’s just that when I look for inspiration, I don’t have to look far. Brianne has a neurodegenerative disease called Friedreich’s Ataxia. It is a progressive condition. In short, the cells of her nervous system can’t process iron, and are dying away slowly. It affects all five of her senses plus her muscle control. Eventually it will affect her heart and kill her. The result however, is a woman whose power of intention is more incredible than anyone else I know. Even with all the odds stacked against her, she has accomplished amazing things. This disease usually shows up in childhood, and 99% of the kids who have who have this condition never leave home, or if they do, it quickly becomes too difficult and they quickly return. Brianne moved out of her parents houses at 20 years old, and has lived independently now for 11 years. Her independence and strength are a huge part of who she is. When Brianne is alone in bed at night, she no longer has the ability to turn herself over. I know that would scre the hell out of me, but she would rather be independent, stuck in a body that won’t listen to her, and sleep alone, than move home to a parent. Brianne keeps up a continuous exercise routine and therapy schedule, with the sole purpose of holding back a progressive disease, and holding on to every bit of muscle and control that she can. She fights the long defeat, because she knows her days are numbered, and because she needs to live life to the absolute fullest. That is why, whenever I need inspiration, whenever I need an example of what to do or how to stand strong, it is my pleasure and honor to follow my beautiful Brianne.Please take moment to check out information on my charity walk coming in August, http://www.geocities.com/sfbafriedreichsataxiawalk/ from there I have links to more information about Friedreich’s Ataxia!
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