Riding with Ataxia Fa

My name is Yasmina, I am15 years old girl, I have Friedrichs ataxia, (Friedreich ataxia (also called FA) is a rare inherited disease that causes progressive nervous system damage and movement problems) It usually begins in childhood and leads to impaired muscle coordination(ataxia) that worsens over time)I am attempting to fundraise so I can learn and enter competitions  in horse riding. I have never been able to join in physical activities like P.E, sports day, etc., since I was 7 and at that age everyone noticed I was different to any typical child, I could still run but I was slow and fell a lot, and it got significantly worse. Pupils would make fun of me because I could not join in. when I went to year 4, I still got bullied and they would make names like slow coach, clumsy, contagious, and dumb, and in the middle of year 4 just before my 9th birthday I got diagnosed and I came into school with my walker, then my Weelchair, everyone was shocked, they thought I was lying however everyone continued to bully me. I continued with my studies, determined not to go to a special school. We started swimming lessons, and everyone said, “you cannot swim you are disabled,” now I swim at an exceedingly high level. I went to secondary school and was determined to be independent, get well in my grades and stay active; so, I do not paralyze, (according to my condition).I started horse riding at 11 intending to do therapy for my scoliosis to improve. Fortunately, I was about to start wearing a spine brace and also I could have a major spine surgery, then my spine improved due to horse riding. I continued to do horse riding as therapy. Then I saw a woman with the same condition as me Para rider, and achieved second place, inspiring me to do the same. I started to aim for better riding skills so I could perform in competitions .The month of the competition came, and I practiced, the day came, and I was ready, I practiced then I entered the test. I was marked with the accuracy of maneuvering the horse. I ended up winning in my class and qualifying for nationals,  the day came and I came 2nd place in national championship, class of 30 people, now I’m more inspired.Bellow is a clip of when I was on bbc London, which you can find on YouTube, or you can follow my page on instagram or Facebook to see how I’m fighting with my condition on daily life basis. Unfortunately I have lost the strength of my knees, and I cannot stand again without good assistance, therefore for I will have to go for more therapies to help getting my strength back or even prevent my brain from losing other orders feedback due to damage of nerves system. I am hoping after you read this short story you will be influenced to help me fundraise so I can mainly be more able to delay the symptoms of paralysing or losing strength and abilities, which have already appeared on my legs, my hand, my speach, and my back, plus other part of body, so perhaps I’m getting worse, I’m still want to enter more competitions to achieve my dream, become a pararider ,have my own horse to look after, ride any time I want, enter any competition that come in my opportunities to carry on lessons and training , because of my disability, I need more assistance and support (one to one lessons) to learn more about horses and riding.So If you choose to donate  you will help me achieve my goal, support my mental and physical well-being, share awareness, and challenge my disability.\n