Dana's Grand Canyon Rim-To-Rim Hike

This week, I attended a meeting with the organizers of the Grand Canyon hike to get the latest scoop. The fires are currently only 60% contained, which—let’s be honest—makes planning this hike a bit challenging. Routes are opening and closing daily, so this hike is officially an adventure and a surprise. It’s nature’s version of a mystery box: we won’t know what trail we’re hiking until the day before… or maybe the day of.

On a serious note, my thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by these fires. It’s a heartbreaking situation, and I’m grateful for the firefighters and responders working tirelessly.

In other news, I met with a nutritionist this week to figure out how to fuel my body properly for the hike. Turns out, I’ve been not eating nearly enough carbs or protein!   She gave me a sample meal plan, and we’ll check in again in a couple of weeks. I already noticed a little more energy on my hike this weekend, so either the plan is working, my body is stronger or it’s a combination of both.

Speaking of the hike—I walked 15 miles on Saturday. It took me five and a half hours. I won’t sugarcoat it: it was tough. Have you ever spent five and a half hours alone with your own thoughts? It’s not easy!  You learn a lot. Like how many random jingles you know, how long you can argue with yourself about whether that cloud looked like a turtle, and how many scattered thoughts go in and out of your mind in the span of a few minutes!

It’s challenging to walk 15 miles. But there’s no room for debate – so in the immortal words of Nike: – Just do it! (preferably with snacks)

Now for the Ataxia Fact of the Day: How are Ataxia and its symptoms treated? Well, there’s no magic pill yet. If the cause can be identified, sometimes it can be treated or modified. Most genetic causes aren’t treatable—yet—but research is making strides. For now, treatment focuses on improving quality of life through education and managing specific symptoms. So while we wait for science to catch up, we keep learning, supporting, and hoping.

And that’s the update! Onward to next week. Take care, everybody!