Finding Strength in the Face of Friedreich’s Ataxia

Living with Friedreich's Ataxia (Being Me: Dillon Maydon)
When Dillon Maydon was a teen, he and his family noticed he was becoming clumsier and more unsteady on his feet. Initially, this was put down to adolescence - but at eighteen he was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease called Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA).
FA is a degenerative disease that affects people in different ways. For Dillon, it has made his speech slurred and made walking progressively more difficult - he now uses a wheelchair.
Dillon has been through some dark times confronting what FA means to his life. However, with the support of his very close family, and partner Amber, he has found ways to stay strong, healthy and independent.
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[@tranquility1492]

Friedrich's Ataxia is a very terrible condition that is progressive. One watches a love one deteriorate and there is nothing that can be done because it has no cure. Dillon is a fine young man who is active. I am happy for him and I wish him well.

[@diannerose8030]

Omg how cute are they all. I love the grandparents

[@laurennobody511]

Nick and Amber and Dillon's family are so supportive! what great people

[@RachelD077]

I used to be a caregiver a lady that had FA. She and her older brother have it but she started to show symptoms sooner than he. Wishing him the best ❤️❤️

[@karencorban607]

What a wonderfully inspiring young man with the most most amazing attitude towards life

[@sopyleecrypt6899]

What a cool guy.

[@debblackmore7460]

I have hypoxia brain injury I get it all I suffer myself balance speech stay strong sending love from headway Nottingham UK takecare xxx

[@kseshaobelasgreshi]

he is so handsome! so glad to see such optimistic person which does so many things and enjoys them all. I wish you all happiness ❤️

[@mischiefroadtripadventures]

I hope the new treatment is available for Dillan and anyone in NZ with FA. My nephew was recently diagnosed just on his 18th birthday. He is waiting for final approval to start the treatment. The thing that has struck me most in all my research into FA, the thing that most stands out is all the positive attitudes and great family support. ❤ Much love and prayers to you and your family.

[@mumr4268]

Thank you for sharing...you and your family are great role models...your girl too!

[@laurennobody511]

His special olympics joke cracked me up

[@harisankaran9994]

Amazing and inspiring. I am sure he will continue to accomplish great things just by being who he is

[@juliestevenson9151]

Brave soul good for him living his life to the fullest

[@freddy4672]

LOVE the picture of all your loved ones surrounding you in the yard. You are blessed by their love. ❤️🌼🌸🐥🌺

[@taralee8451]

Having a disability myself, throughout my life, I've known at least 6 people with this disease. All were/are French Acadian and all from Northern New Brunswick, Canada.

[@jphanks]

Same

[@gretgun8857]

That makes sense, as the carrier rate for FA is higher among French Acadians than the general population.

[@mjlee7587]

What an inspiration

[@mr.franciscoo]

Dillon, you are such an amazing person! A huge hug from Brazil.

[@Digitally_Faith]

This video hollowed out my heart because I have ataxia that developed from Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis and it has been very hard every single day…but you have to keep going because life doesn’t stop. This video captures some of that and I thank him (and everyone involved) for sharing.

[@irislynneworsham5563]

I wish you the best you are absolutely so handsome and smart

[@yellowbelly1805]

dillon greetings from irelland well done pal...Im 55 was diagnosed FA at 32..Ive been lucky I was able to do a lot before it progressed travel sports dancing walking and cycling..My youngest brother wasnt so lucky he was showing all the symptoms at 5 years old he passed away at 43..i was his legs for 25 years carrying up and down the stairs. three of my older sisters also were diagnosed with FA ..My Twin sister my oldest sister, oldest brother and youngest sister escaped the illness..You are an inspiration always keep going keep positive and like you we have the independence factor..I am blessed my speech isnt really effected yet thank god because I am a paddy I love to talk..I was asked one time if I kissed the blarney stone ( kissing the stone gives you the gift of speech) my reply no I didnt kiss it I ate it... .

[@tiffanybartolotta7691]

Dillon please keep fighting to do things for yourself as long as possible. I lost my brother to FA in 2017. He was 35 yrs old and I miss him terribly.

[@barbaracurda8918]

Dillon, you are amazing. I wish you the very best!

[@pattykochenower4222]

What an amazing young man, he has the best personality and outlook on life . They make an adorable couple ! His family is so amazing as well! Truly an inspiration !! ❤️❤️❤️

[@debblackmore7460]

Bless you all stay strong sending hugs luck prayers most of all love from UK takecare xxxxx

[@debblackmore7460]

Proud of you x

[@nnicollan]

Good looking guy, wish him the best xx

[@BrianHaffey]

Keep rocking on man! We gotta fight everyday!

[@lindamarie6574]

What a wonderful, courageous young man!

[@missymason2377]

Support so important......family and friends ❤️

[@STYLESBYLIFEBEAUTYNMORE]

He is so handsome

[@Jdjustsaying]

The two final players at Wimbledon, Kyrious and Novak Djokovic are both plant based for their health and for the animals.

[@patysal9985]

He is just amazing

[@wop130]

He's so handsome. 😍

[@brendaandrezeywski7577]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@freekpeet]

Wow, beautiful people all around in every way, and beautiful video as always! Impressed