By: Las Vegas Now Staff
Cross-country cyclists ended a 650-mile trek in Las Vegas Thursday to draw attention to a disease most of us know nothing about. It can leave a person disabled at a very young age.
Among the cyclists, a young man named Kyle Bryant, who isn't letting Friedreich's ataxia slow him down. Bryant led the way, as 21 cyclists pedaled up to the Flamingo, ending a ride that began in Sacramento two weeks ago.
Although Bryant's legs have limited movement, a specially designed bike allows him to go great distances — with the purpose of getting the word out about ataxia.
“It directly affects me and my whole family. And we feel very strongly that this disease deserves attention, and it effects a lot of really great people that we've met over the years,” said Bryant.
Bryant was diagnosed with Friedreich's ataxia about 10 years ago. The debilitating disease often occurs between the ages of 5 and 15. It affects muscle coordination and sometimes leads to heart failure in its young victims.
The disease affects people differently. But neurologist, John Day says most cases have at least one thing in common.
“Often times, their muscles are strong but they just can't coordinate them well. So they can't walk because they're going to fall over, because they can't move the way they intend to,” said Dr. Day.
Ataxia can be hereditary or brought on by another disease such as Multiple Sclerosis. By going the extra mile on several occasions, Bryant has helped raise more than $100,000 for ataxia research and education.
“We're just having a whole lot of fun, doing something really cool for a good cause,” said Bryant.
A global conference on ataxia is taking place this week at the Flamingo. Experts from around the world have come here to share information.
For more information, click here. And to read Kyle Bryant's blog, click here.
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