
This was the first FARA event that my children have attended, which made this FAntastic event mean even more to me. We live in Vermont, a small New England state. Having a local Hometown ride provided them with some amazing opportunities. For the first time, they met other people with FA, just like their mom. They got to see other people in wheelchairs and adaptive equipment, they got to meet and talk to them (hear other FA voices), hear our stories (some of them gave small speeches before the ride), and watch us do things in our own way (roll over grass, participate in the ride, and observing every detail)—a special day for sure.

The power of our small yet mighty, tight-knit community is powerful. FARA was founded 25 years ago by a small group of patients, families, and a few expert scientists and clinicians. Today it has grown into a global organization funding over $9 million in FA research, leading to the first approved therapy for FA earlier this year! rideATAXIA was started by Kyle Bryant in 2007 to unite people and raise funds for FA research. Since its inception, rideATAXIA events have raised invaluable awareness for FA and over $10 million in support of FA research grants. It feels impactful that at this stage in our FA journey, with the first approved therapy, we return to our roots and come together as a small Hometown community. A community with a common goal––to cure FA!

Written by

