We were up bright and early on April 11, 2015 as we started off the day at the 7^th Annual Anytime Fitness Golf Scramble hosted by Dave LaGree, the owner of several Anytime Fitness locations in the Palm Harbor Florida area.  The event was a great success.  As usual, Dave and his Anytime Fitness colleagues put together another amazing event to raise money for  FARA, Suncoast Animal League and the Wounded Warrior Project. 

In the morning, coffee and bagels were donated by Pickles Plus, while many of the golfers were signing in and waiting for the other participants to arrive.  Once everyone arrived, Dave started off the Scramble with motivating announcements followed by a man playing the bagpipes to send off the golfers.

Everyone enjoyed a full day of golfing, drinking, and eating (although not necessarily in that order!).  Afterwards, the golfers went back to the club house for a great dinner from Southern Steer Butcher, with sides and salad donated by Little Greek and Sugardarlings delicious cupcakes.  There were various drawings and a table full of silent auction items.

This is my fourth year photographing the Anytime Fitness Golf Scramble and every year I’m amazed to see the love and support provided to raise awareness for FARA and the Suncoast Animal League. 

I was proud to be a part this year’s event and I’m looking forward to doing it again in 2016!

Together we’re kickin FA!

Ride Ataxia Dallas 2015 was on April 12 at the University of North Texas. The weather was absolutely perfect for the 500 cyclists. The amazing FA community raised over $140,000 for FA research!  Together we will cure FA!

Every spring, I look forward to traveling down to Denton, TX for Ride Ataxia. I get to see friends and FAmily that I don't get to see very often. I was worried about the weather when I looked a week before the ride. There was a 70% chance of rain! The chance decreased as the week went on, but my family still packed our raincoats and umbrellas just in case!

Name: Sarah J Skelton

Age: 37

Where do you call home? Cairns, QLD, Australia.

Education: Teritary entrant for Bachelor of Management & recipient of Diploma in Management at Tech. My husband and I own and operate a tree felling business. We have for 13 years currently, I’m the office girl!

What is your relationship status? Do you have children? Been married to Malcolm 16 wonderful yrs. We have 2 boys, Nathan and Jarrod, they are 16 and 14 respectively next month. We have lived in the same single storey, purpose built wheelchair dwelling/house for 13 years. It’s close to the shops and bus stop so I power chair everywhere.

What's a typical day for you? Depends which day, every day has a certain routine but each day is different. Ie Today I got the bus to town on my  power chair, went  to Motor Rego and paid a bill, bused back, home for weekly cleaner and sailing later.

How long have you known you are living with FA? In grade 7 (1989) I was tested for scoliosis, when I had a back brace fitted a few months later the orthopaedic guy referred us (Mum and I) to the neurologist cause of my gait. In 1990 at the age of 12 I was diagnosed with Friedreichs Ataxia based on my symptoms.

Are there any others with FA in your family? Nope.

Describe your transition from walking to walker/wheelchair. Describe an adaptation and/or transition you have had to take due to living with FA. In general the transitions weren’t too difficult, in hindsight I wish I’d pushed myself to walk longer. It was a safety issue in the end and having to rely on other people for balance & stuff, I did drive a car with hand controls for a bit. I use my power chair outside the house. I love my independence. 

Name: Mary Nadon Scott

Age: 33

Where do you call home? Northfield, Vermont (Central Vermont)

Education: I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (Registered Nurse) from the University of Vermont in 2004.  However, I am currently a stay at home Mom.

What is your relationship status? Do you have children? I am happily married to my wonderful husband Kevin, and I have 4 children; 2 step-children (Isaac 10 and Bella 8) and 2 born to me (Elijah 4 and Gabriel 2).

What's a typical day for you? I am a stay at home Mom, and stay busy with my 4 year old in pre-school and my 2 year old toddler.  I also try to keep a regular work out routine with riding my recumbent bike, wheelchair aerobics, and alternating seasonally between aquatic therapy and wheeling laps on the track at a local university.

How long have you known you are living with FA? Growing up I was always the clumsy girl; tripping a lot, very poor balance, ran awkwardly, etc.  So looking back now, I can see signs of FA, however at the time, I always attributed most symptoms to having scoliosis (I was diagnosed with that in 8^th grade, by a school nurse).  My FA diagnosis came later, when I was in college in 2002.  I have been living with FA for 13 years.

Are there any others with FA in your family? I am the only one in my family with FA.