At the A-T Children’s Project (A-TCP), we are inspired every day by the creativity and dedication of families raising awareness about ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T). One remarkable example comes from Micah and his daughter Ornella who is 9 and has A-T.
Micah has turned his artistic talent into a powerful advocacy tool. He created “A‑T Walker,” an extraordinary illustrated comic memoir that shares Ornella’s experiences from birth through her early years. Issue 1 follows Ornella’s first two years of life, including her early medical challenges, while Issue 2 continues her journey, exploring the support and resilience that define her family’s story as they ultimately receive her diagnosis of A-T. Issue 3 will be released this month and focuses more on caretakers and the emotional turmoil they reckon with after their child comes home from a long battle in the hospital. The comics are printed in full color and are about 20 pages each.
“A‑T Walker” truly captures the impact of an A-T diagnosis on the entire family, both immediate and extended, emotionally and logistically. Through engaging artwork and honest storytelling, readers gain insight into the daily realities of life with A-T, the triumphs, the challenges, and the ways families navigate this rare disease together.
Micah’s goal goes far beyond creating a graphic novel. By sharing Ornella’s story, he is helping others understand the realities of living with A-T and inspiring conversation and awareness about this rare disease. Families like his are showing how creative projects can amplify advocacy, connect communities, and give other caregivers a sense of hope and solidarity.
The “A‑T Walker” comics are available for purchase through Etsy, with all proceeds supporting A-TCP’s mission to fund research, accelerate treatments, and support families affected by A-T. Through his work, Micah demonstrates how families can combine personal storytelling with fundraising and awareness efforts.
Together, we celebrate families and people like Micah and Ornella, whose creativity and courage help shine a light on A-T. Their example reminds us that every story matters, every voice counts, and every action, big or small, helps to advance A-T research and support for the A-T community.