Christina Chambers ’16, Isabella Sanchez ’16: Hundreds of people rallied together in support of Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance in its fifth annual Ride Ataxia cycling race in Philadelphia. The festivities held on October 13th allowed 475 total cyclists to participate, racing on a variety of courses, along with a great number of spectators.
The event welcomed all skill levels with the option of a five, ten, twenty-five or even fifty-mile race. Cyclists managed to raise thousands of dollars for the Freidreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance.
The Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance works to raise awareness, fund research, and improve the quality of life for those with Friedreich’s Ataxia. Friedreich’s Ataxia is a rare genetic disorder that debilitates and degenerates the muscles and affects coordination. Around one in 50,000 Americans have Freidreich’s Ataxia and it currently has no cure. The Ride Ataxia cycling races that take place throughout the country in the cities of Philadelphia, Orlando,
Chicago, Portland, Norcal and Dallas are one of FARA’s key initiatives to fund testing for a cure. Though Friedreich’s Ataxia may attack an individual’s coordination and weaken their bodies, those with Friedeich’s refuse to have their spirits broken. Many of those affected by Fried-reich’s Ataxia raced in Sunday’s events, using specialized bikes, and completed great feats like the sloping fifty-mile course. Kris Aldridge, Upper School History teacher, who biked the ten-mile race, noted it was “incredible to watch their attitude and perseverance and really the joy that they are getting out of life is really wonderful.” Aldridge continued, “It’s awesome to see these folks who have been stricken with Friedreich’s Ataxia and to see how much they can accomplish.”
Along with Aldridge and her family, many other Episcopal families participated in support of Grace Haupt, a current sixth grader affected by Ataxia. The Aldridge family, along with Haupt’s family and friends, proudly raced as part of the Defying Gravity team.
Aldridge said she loved doing the race with her family because, “just participating in something where you feel you can help is really important for all of us, especially the kids.” Many of Grace’s friends and classmates also took part in the event. EA Middle School students, Melanie Lim ‘20, Nicholas Christos ‘20, Reagan Snyder ’20, Billy Stavropoulos ’20, and Kevin Foster ’18, raced along Grace and plan on continuing to do so for years to come.
Nicholas Christos ’20 explained they really loved the race because “we felt that we were really supporting Grace and we also got to see all the other people we were helping throughout the race.” In reaction to all her friends’ support, Grace Haupt ‘20 enthusiastically said, “It feels really good to see all my friends out there. They are all so supportive of me.”
Reagan Snyder ’20 hoped more people will join in the years to come, noting, “It is really fun and for a really good cause. Plus afterwards, there are a lot of great food stands from different restaurants.” Melanie Lim ‘20 added that she would encourage everyone to race because “it makes you feel good that you can do something that is not just for fun, but will actually make an impact.”