Who We Are

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My name is Adam Nelson, and I live with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 28 (SCA28) in San Carlos, California, about 30 minutes south of San Francisco. My family includes my parents and two brothers, who live in different parts of the United States.

Before retiring, I worked in public education as an assistant principal, social studies teacher, data coordinator, and sports coach. Those roles taught me how to analyze information, develop long-term plans, solve problems collaboratively, and communicate complex ideas in ways that are easy for others to understand.

I grew up in a small town in central Minnesota and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies Education (Grades 5–12) from the University of Minnesota Duluth. After graduation, I moved to the Washington, D.C., area to begin my career in public education. During that time, I earned a Master's degree in Education Leadership and Human Development from George Mason University. After returning to Minnesota, I completed a second Master's degree in Educational Administration and Leadership, along with my superintendent's license, at St. Cloud State University.

In 2016, I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and retired on disability in 2024. In 2026, I founded the Passports for Ataxians Foundation after meeting many people with ataxia who dreamed of traveling but were prevented from doing so by financial barriers.

My favorite travel destination is Barcelona, Spain, because of its climate, culture, architecture, and history. As Saint Augustine wrote, "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page." Inspired by that idea, my goal is to help people with ataxia and their caregivers experience the world without financial barriers, create lasting memories, and raise awareness of the rare disease ataxia. My personal website is www.ataxiantraveler.com.

My name is Scott Kinghorn, and I was diagnosed with Friedreich's Ataxia (FA) at the age of 34 in 2008. I have four children who are now mostly grown. My oldest son is a college graduate beginning his adult life, my daughter is in graduate school, my younger son is about to begin his second year at a technical college, and my youngest daughter is starting her senior year of high school.

I was born and raised in Lubbock, Texas and attended Texas Tech University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering. After graduation, I began a 22-year career with Frito-Lay. I started at the manufacturing plant in Lubbock before transferring to the Bakersfield, California manufacturing plant. In 2014, I relocated to the Dallas area to work at Frito-Lay's corporate headquarters before retiring on disability.

I have always enjoyed traveling, especially cruising, and have visited more than a dozen destinations. My favorite destination so far is St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, because of its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water, and relaxed island atmosphere.

I strive to live by my favorite quote: "When the minimum you are required to do becomes the maximum you are willing to do, the sum of your life becomes mediocrity." I work every day to ensure that the minimum never becomes my maximum. 

My name is Mary Driskill, and I live in South Carolina. I have lived with a progressive neuromuscular condition since 1997 but was not officially diagnosed until 2021 with Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS). After participating in the Rare Genomes Project, genetic testing revealed that I inherited a mutated SACS gene from both of my parents, who were carriers of the condition. I also have two older sisters, and together they have blessed our family with three nieces and three nephews.

In 2025, I retired from my career in education and went on disability. Today, I work part-time as a Purchasing and Data Analysis Assistant for Eurolink, a fastener company. Before retiring, I spent nearly 20 years teaching learners of all ages—from newborns to adults. I earned both my Bachelor of Science and Master's degree in Education from The Ohio State University and completed my Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2016 while teaching and living in Georgia.

Although I was born and raised in Ohio, I eventually moved south in search of a warmer climate. Along the way, I met my husband, Joe, and we were married in 2010. We do not have children because, as I like to joke, teaching is the perfect birth control.

Travel has always been one of my greatest passions. Whether visiting family in Florida or skiing in the mountains of the western United States, I grew up appreciating the experiences that travel provides. Today, I enjoy exploring warm destinations, experiencing different cultures, trying local foods, admiring unique architecture, and learning how people live around the world. One of my personal goals is to visit all 50 states, and I only have seven left to explore.

Some of my favorite quotes are by Mahatma Gandhi:

"People cannot hurt you without your permission."

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."

"Be the change you wish to see in the world."

Those words remind me that each of us has the ability to make a positive difference through service, compassion, and action.

My name is Kristy Taylor, and I live with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 10 (SCA10) in Las Vegas, Nevada, with my husband and our dog. SCA10 is a hereditary condition that has been passed down through my family.

I grew up in Southern California and attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and received my Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies . Throughout my career, I have worked for nonprofit organizations and have always been passionate about equality, accessibility, and social justice.

One of my greatest passions is travel. My favorite destination so far is Cairns, Australia where the rainforest meets the ocean. Experiencing different cultures and perspectives has reinforced my belief that travel is one of the world's greatest teachers.

One of my favorite quotes comes from the Roman philosopher Marcus Aurelius: "You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength." I believe that traveling is an education in itself and that experiencing different cultures broadens our understanding of the world and one another.