Help Anabela raise money

Since my father passed away from Machado-Joseph Disease (MJD) in 2012, I have participated in the Falmouth Road Race year after year to raise awareness and support research for this devastating disease.

What began as a way to honor my father has become a lifelong mission. MJD has affected multiple generations of my family. In addition to losing my father, we have also lost my beloved godmother, Aunt Isabel, my Tia Adriana, and my Uncle Fernando to this disease.

Today, I walk in their memory and in honor of my brother Paul, my cousin Lilly, and all those who continue to courageously battle MJD every day.

One of the accomplishments I am especially proud of is helping raise awareness of MJD throughout Massachusetts. As a result of the efforts of many dedicated families, advocates, researchers, and supporters, Machado-Joseph Disease Awareness Day is now recognized annually on July 2 in Massachusetts, helping shine a light on a disease that many people have never heard of but that has deeply impacted so many families.

Each step I take is for those we have lost, those still fighting, and future generations who deserve hope. The work being done by Dr. Jeremy Schmahmann and the Massachusetts General Hospital Ataxia Center continues to bring that hope closer to reality through research, education, and compassionate care.

Thank you for supporting this cause that means so much to me and my family. Together, we can raise awareness, advance research, and move closer to a cure.

❤️ Bela Collins

“I walk for my father, my family, and everyone affected by MJD. Until there is a cure, I will keep walking.”