Turning Adversity Into Action: Kyle Bryant’s Inspiring Ride Against Friedreich’s Ataxia
By Julie Bawden-Davis
Discovering a Rare Diagnosis
Like many boys, Kyle Bryant actively participated in sports. When incoordination plagued him throughout adolescence, his parents sought answers from several doctors. At 17, he was finally diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA), a rare, crippling, and progressive genetic condition.
Rather than despair, Bryant chose a mindset of gratitude.
“I remember immediately thinking how fortunate I was to be so active despite the disorder,” he says. “I thought that I should do as much as I could before it was too late to benefit others with FA who weren’t so fortunate.”
Finding Purpose Through Pedals
After earning an engineering degree in 2005, Bryant was increasingly challenged by the physical symptoms of FA. Seeing someone ride a specialized tricycle on TV sparked an idea.
- He bought a trike and rode seven miles on his first outing.
- Weeks later, he was riding up to 50 miles at a time.
- Just four months in, he completed a 100-mile ride for the American Diabetes Association.
“During the last 20 miles, I realized that I was going to finish,” says Bryant. “If I can do this, I can do anything.”
Launching Ride Ataxia
Inspired by his own experience, Bryant founded Ride Ataxia in 2007 and biked 2,500 miles from San Diego to Memphis with his father and uncle in just 59 days.
- They raised $40,000, which was matched by two FA organizations—totaling $100,000.
- Since then, Ride Ataxia has generated nearly $1 million for FA research.
“It’s important to not use your circumstances as an excuse,” says Bryant, “but to use them as a reason to do something great with your life.”
From Engineer to Advocate
For two years, Bryant balanced a full-time engineering job with Ride Ataxia fundraising. In October 2009, he left engineering to become the spokesperson for the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA).
Ronald Bartek, FARA’s co-founder, shares:
“Kyle is a man of real character and a wonderful communicator. His efforts have inspired families and even researchers—who now dare to speak of a cure.”
Dr. Robert Wilson of the University of Pennsylvania agrees:
“Kyle has raised extraordinary sums and brought visibility to FA. His own strength, despite the fatigue caused by FA, is nothing short of stupendous.”
Empowering Through Public Speaking
In 2008, Bryant began sharing his story through public speaking. Introduced to Toastmasters by a coworker, he embraced the platform as a way to connect with others and raise awareness.
John Tillison, a fellow Toastmaster, recalls:
“Kyle’s Ice Breaker speech started as an upbeat sports tale, then took a moving turn. His growth as a speaker has been phenomenal. His humor and passion make his message powerful.”
Inspiring Families Facing FA
Donna and John Newman, whose daughter Natalie was diagnosed with FA in 2010, found hope through Bryant’s work.
“We were devastated until we found Kyle,” says Donna. “When Natalie met him in Dallas, she told her friends she had met her hero.”
A Coast-to-Coast Challenge
In June 2010, Bryant and two other cyclists represented FARA in the Race Across America, completing the 3,000-mile ride in just over eight days.
“This disease limits us, but I always say: life is not about what happens to us—it’s about how we react to what happens.” —Kyle Bryant
Learn More and Get Involved
For more information on Kyle Bryant, Ride Ataxia, and the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance, visit www.rideataxia.org.
Julie Bawden-Davis is a freelance writer based in Southern California and a longtime contributor to the Toastmaster. Contact her at Julie@JulieBawdenDavis.com.
