Paralympic Athlete Helen Kearney on Living her Dreams with Friedreich’s Ataxia

Brain & Life

In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by Helen Kearney, a dressage rider from Ireland who competed in the 2021 Paralympics. Helen shares about her Friedreich’s Ataxia diagnosis, how she connects with her horse, and her Paralympic experience. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Sub Subramony, a board-certified neurologist and neuromuscular medicine specialist at the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at University of Florida. Dr. Subramony explains what Friedreich’s Ataxia is, how it is diagnosed and treated, and what the future looks like for patients and their families.

Additional Resources

Meet Six Paralympians Preparing for the 2024 Paris Games

What is ataxia and cerebellar or spinocerebellar degeneration?

New Research Gives Hope to Patients with Inherited Ataxias

Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance

Other Brain & Life Episodes on this Topic

Paralympian Jamal Hill on Winning Bronze with Charcot-Marie-Tooth

Olympic Swimmer Rowdy Gaines on His Career and Guillain-Barré Syndrome

BMX Athlete Josh Perry's Perseverance Living with Brain Tumors

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Social Media:

Guests: Helen Kearney @HelenKearneyIRL; Dr. Sub Subramony @fixelinstitute

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD