The Ataxian

Check out this movie, you won't be disappointed. It is the compelling story of people with a rare disease and their loved ones who bravely rode their cycles in the Race Across America (RAAM) to raise funds and awareness to fight that disease. It is beautifully shot with great music. The commentaries during the film are very moving. You meet people with Friedreich's ataxia (FA, the rare disease in question), their families, and their loved ones. One amazing aspect of this disease and the accomplishment of the riders - not only is FA disabling, which is readily apparent, but it causes extreme fatigue...these guys accomplished the RAAM on four hours a night of sleep. We come to see how they have not let FA define what is possible in their lives.

I had the pleasure to see this in a private screening and loved it. I knew a little about Kyle and Friedrich's Ataxia going in, and came away with a lot more than knowledge. This is a genuine and totally inspirational film that I would see again. The tag line is everything "life is about how you react" - the stark reality of a progressive, degenerative rare disease is a backdrop for making the most of your life, for stepping into meaningful action, and for creating a hopeful future for yourself and for others - a lesson for every single one of us!

Thank you to Kyle and Sean and John and Mike and the race crew and the film crew and the folks at FARA for pouring yourself into this project.

This film should be out there in the world - Kyle is a change-agent and the film is a change agent.

I saw this movie in Athens, GA in a small cinema called Cine'. I went to the cinema not knowing what to expect. This movie was wonderful. I gives you an inside look at the life of people with a debilitating disease called Friedrich's Ataxia. The main character in the film suffers from this disease, but wanted to "make his mark" on the world and set out to assemble a team to attempt a daring bike ride. His goal is to raise awareness of this rare disease and to help raise funds for research. This movie made me laugh at times and I also cried. I felt a full range of emotions. Leaving the cinema, the film left me inspired and wanting to "make my mark" as well. This film is a must see. It is a 10 of 10.

Awesome and inspiring movie. Had the chance to meet Kyle and Sean and they are as cool, funny, well spoken, positive, crazy and inspiring in real life as they are on camera. Ten years after this ride, they are still cycling and working to increase awareness of FA. Highly recommend!

I saw this film at a private screening in Seattle. What a treat to be one of the first groups to see this incredible work.

The production,the cinematography and the music are exceptional. The film tells the story well of the journey undertaken by a team of athletes.

If you get the chance to see The Ataxian, you should not miss it. It will make you smile, feel intense emotion for the challenges some young people face.

Most of all it will fill your heart with love and hope.

I can't wait for this film to hit the big screen and be available for the world to see.

just plain beautiful!