The National Ataxia Foundation (NAF) was founded in 1957 as a non-profit, charitable organization,organized
to combat all types of hereditary ataxia (HA). The NAF is also concerned with closely related conditions such as peroneal
muscular atrophy (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease), hereditary spastic paraplegia,and ataxia telangiectasia. Hereditary tremor,
a common neurological disorder, is also included.
In 1994 The Golden Triangle Support Group (GTSG) was formed to serve as a branch of the NAF. By serving the people of Southeast
Texas. The GTSG is working closely with the NAF to achieve their objectives. Those objectives are:
1. Location of patients and persons at risk. NAF encourages a complete neurological examination to make early and correct
diagnoses.
2. Increased awareness about these hereditary disorders. NAF assures that accurate information about them will be available
through a variety of educational programs for physicians, allied health professionals, and the public.
3. Prevention of the spread of these disorders. NAF encourages and provides genetic counseling to help afflicted patients
and families make informed decisions about family planning.
4. Research. In addition to its own research efforts, the NAF supports those research projects that are designed to better
understand the pathology and cause of the ataxias, or to institute new treatments based upon scientific data. The NAF helps
to coordinate research efforts into the causes and early detection of ataxia through exstisting centers throughout the world.
