In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by Christina Coates, president and founding member of an organization called Hypertrophic Olivary Degeneration Association (HODA). Christina shares about her own journey with hypertrophic olivary degeneration and how she was inspired to found HODA and build an advocacy community. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Vikram Shakkottai, professor of neurology at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas and Dedman Family Distinguished Chair in Neurologic Disease. Dr. Shakkottai discusses cerebellar ataxia, hypertrophic olivary degeneration, how these disorders are treated, and what upcoming research there is to look forward to.   We invite you to participate in our listener survey! By participating in the brief survey, you will have the opportunity to enter your name and email address for a chance to win one of five $100 Amazon gift cards.   Additional Resources HODA - Working to make HOD History Forming a Foundation Bolsters Hope After a Rare Diagnosis Advice for Caregivers of People with Rare Diseases What is ataxia and cerebellar or spinocerebellar degeneration?   Other Brain & Life Episodes on this Topic Neurofibromatosis Advocacy and Community Building with the Gilbert Family Foundation Making a Lasting Impact with The Brain Donor Project’s Tish Hevel We Are Brave Together with Jessica Patay Strength in Unity: Advocating and Advancing Research for Brain Tumors   We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? ·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 ·       Email us at [email protected]   Social Media:   Guests: Christina Coates @hodassoc; Dr. Vikram Shakkottai @utswmedcenter Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD