SCA27b Ataxia Foundation

02/06/2026

A little about FGF14 and its involvement in SCA27B. Do not worry about references to cognition in the attached article. In SCA27B, only one isoform (b) of FGF14 is affected. FGF14b is essential for the coordinated firing of Purkinje cells/neurons in the cerebellum and is closely associated with voltage-gated sodium ion channels in the brain.

FGF14 or fibroblast growth factor 14 is an essential protein found predominantly in the brain, specifically in Purkinje cells. These brain cells are responsible for maintaining everyday functions such as Read More...

01/23/2026

Most forms of Ataxia stem from dysfunction in the cerebellum, but damage to the vestibular system can also cause ataxia. In this webinar, cohosted with VEDA, we’ll explore what the vestibular system does, how it works, and the symptoms associated with vestibular impairment.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QLtYSYUNTdySO7FeaJhs5g

01/10/2026

February 2nd is the last day for discounted registration for 2026 AAC! Register today and get $50 off to join us in Orlando this April 9-11th!

You can register here: www.ataxia.org/2026AAC

01/08/2026

Our next SCA27B discussion group meeting is scheduled for 4:00-6:00 EST (US/Canada) on FEB 3. If you would like to receive the link to the Zoom link, please sign up for membership at sca27b.org, or email us at sca27b@gmail.com

Dr. Jeremy Schmahmann from Mass General/Harvard will be joining us in the first hour to discuss and answer questions about cerebellar function, symptoms, medical/medication management, eye movement irregularities, etc. in SCA27B. Dr. Schmahmann is a highly experienced ataxia neurologist... we are extremely fortunate that he will be taking this time to share his expertise with us.

If you cannot make the Zoom meeting, I will record it and send out the recording and summary notes via email to members of sca27b.org

Send a message to learn more

12/01/2025

Our next Zoom discussion meeting will be on Tuesday, DEC 9, 4:00-6:00 EST (US/Canada). We hope to see you there!

If you are not on our email list and would like to attend the meeting, please fill out the short membership form at sca27b.org . Membership is free.

Send a message to learn more

12/01/2025

Join us Wednesday, December 10th at 1pm CST, for our “Ask the Expert” webinar with Dr. Susan Perlman to answer your questions about Ataxia. This is an informal discussion-style webinar without a set topic. Closed captioning is available. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you have related to Ataxia. Don’t have a question? Join us to listen in!

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2717331681732/WN_0HzuSGQuQx6cci4SC4mc_Q

12/01/2025

If you would like to attend the National Ataxia Foundation's patient conference in Orlando this spring, but need funding for travel. Complete their travel grant application.

Every year our community comes together to learn, connect, and drive progress at the Annual Ataxia Conference (AAC). To ensure everyone has the chance to be part of this experience, Travel Grants and Virtual Scholarships are available to support participation in Orlando.

Travel Grants for in-person attendees includes complimentary conference registration ($300 value) and up to $1000 in travel support (provided at check-in)
Preference will be given to first-time attendees so apply by 12/3/25!
Virtual Scholarships for online attendees includes complimentary virtual registration ($50 value) and the deadline is 3/20/25!

Apply at www.Ataxia.org/2026AAC

09/29/2025

Every year our community comes together to learn, connect, and drive progress at the Annual Ataxia Conference (AAC). To ensure everyone has the chance to be part of this experience, Travel Grants and Virtual Scholarships are available to support participation in Orlando.

Travel Grants for in-person attendees includes complimentary conference registration ($300 value) and up to $1000 in travel support (provided at check-in)
Preference will be given to first-time attendees so apply by 12/3/25!
Virtual Scholarships for online attendees includes complimentary virtual registration ($50 value) and the deadline is 3/20/25!

Apply at www.Ataxia.org/2026AAC

09/27/2025

Our next Zoom discussion meeting will be on WED, OCT 22, 4-6:00 EDT (US/Canada). If you are not on our email list, and would like to join this meeting, please email us at sca27b@gmail.com to request the Zoom link.

Researchers from the University of Chicago will be joining us to discuss the preliminary results from their study on the effect of lifestyle/environment on the age of onset and progression of symptoms in SCA27B.

This should be a great meeting ... looking forward to seeing you there!!

Send a message to learn more

09/21/2025

Join NAF this month on Thursday, 9/25/25 at 9 AM Central, for a webinar about NAF's Ataxia Centers of Excellence (ACE) program. NAF's Clinical Services Director Kelsey Trace will share the impact ACEs are having across the community with the help of Dr. Sharan Srinivisan, co-director of the University of Michigan ACE.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/3017259933474/WN_Yx7vT7zFQW-jWpt6huIiEw

09/06/2025

Our next SCA27B Zoom meeting will be on WED, SEP 10, 4-6:00 EDT (US/Canada). If you did not receive a Zoom invite and would like to join us, please email sca27b@gmail.com to request the link.

Send a message to learn more