Meet Kyle: The Most Inspiring Person I Know

Meet my friend, Kyle Bryant

Friends, I have someone very inspiring that YOU need to meet! I can honestly say that I don't personally know a more inspiring person than my friend, Kyle Bryant. Kyle was one of my WyldLife kids when I was in high school. He was the life of the party and fit the "WyldLife" name perfectly.

When Kyle was 17, he was diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder, Friedreich’s ataxia. Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a debilitating, life-shortening, degenerative neuro-muscular disorder. About one in 50,000 people in the United States have Friedreich's ataxia. Some symptoms of FA include loss of coordination (ataxia) in the arms and legs, energy deprivation and muscle loss, vision impairment, hearing loss, and slurred speech, and serious heart conditions. (source)

Kyle Bryant founds rideATAXIA

Instead of feeling sorry for himself and letting life pass him by, Kyle decided he needed to live each day with purpose. Even when he didn't know what to do, he did what he could.

If we don't know what direction to take, we must at the very least make a move."

In 2007, Kyle Bryant founded rideATAXIA to help raise awareness and funds for research. Because Kyle could no longer ride a bike, he started riding a trike and teamed up with friends and family to complete a ride from San Diego to Memphis. That's 2500 miles, people! On that ride, he raised $40,000 for FA research. Boom! But that's not it, Kyle went on to do something even crazier.

The Ataxian

In 2010 Kyle competed in the Race Across America (RAAM) with three other teammates. RAAM is one of the most gruesome races in the world. It covers 3,000 miles from San Diego to Annapolis and is non-stop. Teams have 9 days to finish the race. Kyle and his team completed it in 8 days, 8 hours, and 14 minutes! This story was the subject of a new documentary, The Ataxian.

A few days ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to see the world premiere of The Ataxian. I honestly can't put into words how inspiring this film is. To see a man, my friend, accomplish something so treacherous, with such grace and compassion... I just really don't know what to say except I hope you see this film! My kids were thrilled to meet a "celebrity" but Kyle didn't have to be on the big screen to be a celebrity! What he has done and is doing will always be better than celebrity status. You guys, rideATAXIA has gone on to raise $3 million!!! How cool is that?

Thank you Kyle for showing the world what it's like to go big or go home!

Since you can't watch the movie just yet, here's his Ted Talk which is also very inspiring!

I will keep you all posted on a future release of The Ataxian as well as other things Kyle Bryant is up to.