Kyle Bryant
Kyle Bryant | |
|---|---|
 Kyle Bryant training on his recumbent bicycle | |
| Born | October 5, 1981 |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | University of California, Davis |
| Occupation(s) | Founder, Director (business) |
Kyle Bryant is an athlete, speaker and the spokesperson for the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA). Bryant is the founder and event director of rideATAXIA – a nationwide bike ride fundraiser benefiting FARA.[1]
Early life
Bryant was diagnosed with Friedreich's ataxia (FA) at age 17, rare, life-shortening, degenerative neuro-muscular disorder. About one in 50,000 people in the United States have FA. Friedreich's ataxia is a genetic disorder with symptoms including muscle weakness, loss of coordination, vision impairment, slurred speech, hearing loss, scoliosis (curvature of the spine), and a life-shortening heart condition. The disorder is progressive, and most young people diagnosed need the aid of a cane, walker, or wheelchair by their teens or early 20's.[2]
rideATAXIA
Bryant founded rideATAXIA in 2007 with a 2,500-mile, 59-day ride from San Diego, California to Memphis TN. The goal of the ride was to raise awareness and research funds for Friedreich's Ataxia (FA). The first rideATAXIA took place between January 22 and March 21, 2007, when Bryant and his father, Mike Bryant, rode their bikes from San Diego, California to the National Ataxia Foundation (NAF) annual membership meeting in Memphis, Tennessee.[3][4]
The mission of rideATAXIA is to educate the public about FA by drawing attention through acts of physical endurance, enable the advancement of FA research through collaborative financial support, and empower ataxians by inspiring, motivating, and providing opportunities to develop physical and mental strength.[5]
During the first ride, the team raised more than $40,000 and helped unite the National Ataxia Foundation (NAF) and Freidreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA). Both NAF and FARA contributed matching funds, and helped to create the Kyle Bryant Translational Research Award. Nationally, rideATAXIA has raised about $3 million for FA research.[6][7]
FARA
Bryant became the spokesperson for FARA, a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to accelerating research leading to treatments and a cure for Friedreich's ataxia. With Bryant as the program director and Outback Steakhouse as the presenting sponsor, FARA began to build a network of single day family friendly rides all across the nation. Currently, there are five different rideAtaxia events across the country: Northern California, Dallas, Orlando, Philadelphia, and Chicago.
Race Across America (RAAM)
In 2010, Bryant participated in the Race Across America (RAAM) as part of 4-man Team FARA. The team completed the 3000 mile non-stop race from San Diego, California to Annapolis, Maryland in 8 days, 8 hours, and 14 minutes. The race was the subject of a documentary film from Redwood Creek Entertainment.[8][9]
Research
The end of Bryant's first ride in 2007 marked the founding of the Kyle Bryant Translational Research Award. It is an annual award that provides opportunities for applicants to request a budget of up to $250,000 per year for one or two years.[10]
Awards
In 2013, Bryant was featured as one of Barefoot Wine's "Soles of the Year."[11]
References
- ^ Davis, Julie (2011-02-01). "Profile: Kyle Bryant: Cycling for a CURE". Toastmaster. Toastmasters International. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
- ^ "Tampa at Center of Research to Cure Friedreich's Ataxia". Rare Daily. Global Genes - Allies in Rare Disease. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
- ^ Schena, Susan (2015-05-14). "6th Annual rideATAXIA NorCal Cycling Fundraiser Rolls Into Davis May 30". Patch.com. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
- ^ Bair, Dina; Czink, Katharin (2014-07-18). "Ride Ataxia' raises awareness of debilitating disease". WGN-TV. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
- ^ "Dozens ride to raise awareness about rare neuro-muscular disease". KPTV. 2013-09-22. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Constable, Burt (2013-07-14). "Villa Park teen rides to raise money for her rare disorder". Daily Herald. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
- ^ "Bike ride raises funds for a cure". The Davis Enterprise. 2011-05-11. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Bryan, Atchison (2010-06-03). "Ataxia awareness drives Sacramento cyclist Kyle Bryant on Race Across America". ABC News. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
- ^ Lee, Elyssa (2010-07-01). "The Ride of His Life" (PDF). Sacramento Bee.
- ^ "$360,000 in Kyle Bryant Translational Research Awards Announced Today". Babel Family. 2009-10-13.
- ^ "Kyle Bryant From Ride Ataxia". Good Day Sacramento. 2015-05-21.