Website and Blog for the Sam McMahon Trust

We came across an interesting article called Permission to Fail…and Succeed by Kathie Snow. Kathie’s website called Disability is Natural challenges and encourages people to think about disability in a new way. She believes that where we change our attitudes and action we can create a society where all adults and children, including those with disabilities, can live the life of their dreams.

This particular article challenges us to give children and adults permission to fail. Kathie believes that once people get over their fear of failure there is a greater chance for them to succeed. You can read the article here.

In order to explain some of the symptoms of Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) to his classmates and to help create awareness and understanding of his condition, Sam with some help from his mum Caroline, and Aunt Sandra, gave a presentation to his classmates. The details included are age appropriate and relevant to Sam. It is hoped that this information will help Sam and his friends to deal with the impact that FA has on Sam. See the presentation here.

Ataxia awareness day is held on 25 September every year. Ataxia is a rare progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects balance, coordination and speech. As the condition progresses sight, hearing and the heart can be affected. Ataxia can strike at any time regardless of age, gender or race. There is no treatment or cure for ataxia.

The aim of the day is to raise awareness about ataxia. Can you participate in an activity that creates awareness? Can you share your experience with others who have not heard about ataxia?  Can you raise financial support? Can you help others to have a better understanding of ataxia?

Are you doing something to mark International Awareness Day? We would love to hear about your ideas and plans. Contact us and let us know.