Joey Mullaney

My name is Joey Mullaney, and I am a 27-year-old man, born and raised in Leominster, Massachusetts. When I was thirteen years old, I was told that I have a rare neurological disorder called Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA). FA is a rare degenerative neuromuscular disorder that diminishes coordination, mobility, speech, and organ function, confining me to a motorized scooter.

For many years, the news of FA blindsided me. Even though I was far from alone, I still felt like the only person on the planet. Since that time, the road to self-awareness, confidence, and acceptance has been a bumpy ride. A terminal diagnosis will do that. I may have accomplished a lot in life, but the "mental" journey took a while. Admittedly I wasted a lot of time thinking about how little time I might have, and it struck me: That’s sort of dumb. So, I decided to take the ticking time clock and embrace it while I can, and that is exactly what I am doing now! Instead of fighting time, I’m partnering with it.

I am an Adaptive CrossFit Athlete in my daily life. I have my own memoir, Stare at Me: How Being Blindsided Brings Life Into Focus, coming available now, and am a motivational speaker. In 2019, I received a Master of Arts in Communications degree from Emerson College.