The Ataxian

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.

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.

About 7 years ago I relocated the CrossFit location we are at today, CrossFit King of Prussia (200 DeKalb Street in Bridgeport Pa)...about three years later this young man named Kyle Bryant contacted me about joining...in 2012 CrossFit.com made this video https://youtu.be/rHlC1W9r704 and tonight, I had the honor of watching The Ataxian. How would you react to a life debilitating and fatal illness? "The Ataxian" shows the world that it is possible for one man to take action and change a community and world. I'm not only humbled to know this man, but honored to touch his hand, tell him he is handsome and have helped him do a few squats along the way. The courage and mindset Kyle has is one which I have learned from and continue to grow. Thank you sir for teaching me yet another lesson in life. I will do what I can to raise money and #cureFA

and the movie...these guys did an AMAZING job...I wish I had a venue to share this with everyone. There is so much heart in this film, love, caring and dedication. Bring your tissues. You will leave wanting more.

What a great movie. Inspirational and motivational. When God gives you lemons, make lemonade.

The film follows several articulate and charming characters on a memorable quest, while teaching the audience about the devastating orphan disease, Friedrich's ataxia. While it is an extraordinarily emotional film, the story is told with compassion and humor. The lack of self pity is both inspiring and challenging, and the production takes the audience for an incredible ride. The fact that The Ataxian has won audience awards at several film festivals attests to the fact its message is one we can all relate to: The young people in the film dwell on what they have, not what has been lost; and they are trying to help others. The film does a great job of telling their story, and most in the audience seem to leave the theater uplifted, grateful, and teary-eyed.