The following article appeared in the Brenham, Texas newspaper on Sept. 16, 2010. It was written by Jan Pledger and submitted by Jay.

I had the extreme pleasure of recently meeting both Jay and Jan when they visited in my home in Oklahoma in August of 2010. His disease is quite evident and debilitating. But, as Jan says in the article, he doesn't complain. I must add, too, that Jay does not let his problems stop him. He is energetic and continues to work for the betterment of our mutual family. Jay is the grandson of Jay D. Young McBrayer and the son of Maisie Louellen McBrayer Pledger of Texas.

 

Living with ataxia
by Jan Pledger

I want to tell you about a disorder that affects an estimated 150,000 Americans, including my husband, Jay, who was raised and went to school here in Brenham.

It's called "ataxia," which describes a group of often-fatal degenerative neurological disorders.

Ataxia can strike anyone at any time, as it has Jay. There are hereditary forms of ataxia that can be caused by a dominant or recessive gene, and there are sporadic forms that have no known genetic link or family history

Jay's form of ataxia is known as spino cerebellar ataxia type 8, which is ; one of the most rare forms and is heredity. Ataxia does not discriminate according to age groups, and too often Ataxia strikes children' and young adults. 'There are no effective treatments or cure for Ataxia at this time, but there is hope through the continuing research efforts of the National Ataxia Foundation (NAP).

Jay was diagnosed with ataxia in November of 2005, and is-permanently disabled. Jay had symptoms for many years, but be was able to hide them. About three years before he: retired, his symptoms started becoming noticeable to his coworkers.

Jay's symptoms began to get much worse due to his cerebellum shrinking. His condition deteriorated so much that his daily living and lifestyle were altered. In 2008, Jay was assessed and it was determined that his balance is equivalent to that of a person between the ages of 80 and 85.

Not only is this disease physically debilitating, it is also debilitating mentally. Jay carries a letter with him at all times that was written by his neurologist because many police officers will assume that Jay is drunk.

This letter states what his diagnosis and condition are, and will prevent the possibility of Jay going to jail because of his balance.

Jay's neurologist told him that he would be in a wheelchair or using a walker by now if he had not been as physically active throughout his early adult years. In addition, when Jay is out in public, people will stare at him and make remarks about him being drunk.

The National Ataxia Foundation (NAF) was established in 1957 to help ataxia families through research, education and support services. The NAF funds worldwide ataxia research to help find more answers in stopping ataxia.

Last year, the NAF funded 14 outstanding Ataxia research studies, and in the past 11 years it has awarded funding to 142 reseachers in 11 countries. The NAF web site is 111.ataxia.org.

The Central Texas Ataxia Support Group is sponsoring their second annual "Walk and Roll" on September 25 in Austin to raise funds to support NAF programs. All Money raised will be forwarded to the NAF in Minneapolis, Minn.

Sept. 25. is International Ataxia Awareness Day. If you would like to contribute to the fight against Ataxia, please make your check payable to the National Ataxia Foundation, and mail it to me at the address above.

Together we can make a difference. Any support you can give will be very much appreciated. If you have questions about ataxia, please fell free to call me a 830-7178.

I will say this. Jay does not complain about his condition, and he is determined to live a full and productive life.