Sam Bridgman: seeking a cure

By Lydia Laythe, Staff Writer laythe16@up.edu

Each step hitting the pavement, pushing away from the concrete slabs, propelling us forward; we never think about how it feels. Walking down the sidewalk is simple. We do that every day. But we never stop to think about how it feels to walk on the sidewalk.

Senior Sam Bridgman has been slowly losing his ability to control his own body since he was a freshman in high school. As Bridgman rolls down the sidewalk in his motorized wheelchair, he understands how to appreciate the feeling of walking. Bridgman has Friedreich's Ataxia, a rare, hereditary disease which can affect all the muscles in the human body.

"Currently, there's no treatment or cure, so it's really imperative that we find funds for research so that researchers can find cures quickly. It may not [be able] to save my life, but it can save someone else's life," Bridgman said.

FARA (Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance) in partnership with Outback Steakhouse, is holding a day-long, biking event Sept. 22 at Sauvie's Island called "Ride Ataxia." The event offers various lengths of routes for cyclists who can ride and support research for a cure for FA.

"It's important to raise the funds but it's also important to let people know that this is a problem and it needs to be fixed. And it can be fixed," Bridgman said.

Bridgman admitted that being a college student might mean not having money to donate, but that even giving a little means a lot.

"Giving money is great but not everyone has money to give," Bridgman said. "It's a bigger deal when someone with little money gives some money because they're giving all that they have."

Senior Brian Frattali, a close friend to Bridgman, said Bridgman had helped him many times.

"I thought that this was the best way for me to give back to him because he's done so much for me. He's a one-of-a-kind person," Frattali said.

Bridgman also expressed his hopes in raising awareness, another way to give back without giving money.

"The goal is to get the word out about Friedreich's Ataxia, because it's such a rare disease. It affects one in 50,000 people, so not many people know about it," Bridgman said.

Bridgman also listed some alternatives to donating money.

"Just coming out and riding, or volunteering, or just coming for lunch and just showing your support," he said.

Gwynn Klobes, director of professional development for the business school, has known Bridgman for several years.

"The UP community has really embraced Sam and made him a part of the community in an altruistic way," Klobes said.

Bridgman experiences some of the physical symptoms of FA, like abnormal speech and muscle weakness. But he remains emotionally strong and forever optimistic.

His mantra: "Impossible is Nothing."

Bridgman said the support of the UP community, friends and family make all the difference in the world.

"It warms my heart to know that I have friends that love me and a community that loves me and wants [to help] me with what I'm trying to do," Bridgman said. "When you have a good community base then you always have people to fall back on when times get tough, and you always have someone to lean on, or to ask for help [from]."

Ride Ataxia

Sept. 22 7 a.m. at Sauvie's Island

Cost ranges from $20 to $55, depending on a fundraising minimum and early registration. The first 300 people to register can participate in the event. After the event, lunch will be provided. Ride Ataxia will offer 6, 12, 25, 37 and 50 mile route lengths on the scenic Sauvie Island. On Sept. 21 from 5-7 p.m. at Outback Steakhouse, there will be a packet for early registration cyclists to pick up. Visit rideataxia.kintera.org for more information.