Another amazing year in the books! FA Woodstock was once again the highlight of the summer for many people with Friedreich's Ataxia. Two days full of laughs, new friends, tie-dying, swimming, and so many new memories; this event was incredible :)

The beginning of this event was all about getting comfortable in a new setting and meeting the many other guests. There were many unfamiliar faces, which I thought was terrific; so many young families (people who have been newly diagnosed) who were able to find comfort in meeting a group of people with such similarities. The Hook's have such a great network of people out there; a seemingly endless number of people who wanted to lend a helping hand. 

July 14, 2016 was our “16th Annual Wing Party” with Hooters. The event was held at the Laurel, MD Hooters instead of the usual Baltimore Inner Harbor Hooters. We made the switch for several reasons but one major reason was the planned total renovation of the Baltimore Hooters. They are planning to move to a new location and do some major renovations so we did not want to get caught up in all of that!

We had a great time with about 70 in attendance including Erin Kiernan (FA patient), and Ron Bartek of FARA. We raised $1,000 for FARA! 

Name: Holly Franz

Age: 22

Where do you call home? Bedford, New Hampshire

Education (degree(s): BS in Marketing from Southern New Hampshire University

How long have you known you are living with FA? After two years of being misdiagnosed, I was officially diagnosed with FA at age 11.  Add a comment

The FARA Ambassador Program presents an FA Hangout talking about a few of your Favorite things: the book and movie edition. What do we have to see/read. What made you laugh, cry, think, or take action. Tell us what our next good read/view is!

At FA hangouts: we laugh, we connect, we hangout, we learn from and about each other...it is so fun! It is just an informal discussion with a theme. We just talk when the theme has run its course, no pressure. People who just want to listen are very welcome!

Every hangout is open to anyone with FA and a translator if needed.

Hangouts will be held Wednesday July 27th and Thursday July 28th (mark your calendars, FA Hangouts will be the last Wednesday and Thursday of the month, except on holidays and the like) at (new time) 8-9:30 PM EST both days (just one hangout per night, but it is longer). More times will be added if needed. Email fahangouts@gmail.com to sign up or ask questions. Google (not us!) limits hangout capacity. FA Hangouts do fill up. It is first come, first served. So the earlier you sign up, the more likely you are to get the date and time you want. Please indicate if there are any times that do not work for you and which times you’d prefer. We will try to accommodate everyone.