Picture this: it’s a beautiful, almost-fall day in Upstate South Carolina. 82° Fahrenheit and clear skies, it’s the perfect day for a fundraiser benefiting rideATAXIA Team Megan and FARA. As the sun rises over the Ploch family’s backyard, Megan Ploch double-checks the sign-ups for the cornhole tournament, David Ploch grills hot dogs, and Kris Ploch warms a huge batch of barbecue in the crockpot to prepare for the first-ever Fall for FARA event.
On Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 12 to 4, the Ploch family hosted “Fall for FARA” at the Pelham Falls clubhouse in Greer, SC. This fundraiser raised money for Team Megan for rideATAXIA Philly, which will be held on October 12.
The afternoon began with a cornhole tournament, in which 14 teams competed in a double-elimination bracket. While the beanbags were tossed, hot dogs and pulled pork sandwiches were served, raffle ticket boxes were filled up, faces were painted, carnival games were played, and FA was fought!
I was overwhelmed with love and joy all day long, but seeing friends who either don’t live close by or whom I haven’t seen in a while was truly amazing. One of my best friends during middle and high school, Vanessa, who I haven’t seen in probably seven years, came to the event with her mom, so it was great to catch up with them.
Due to the generosity of some amazing friends, family, neighbors, local businesses, coworkers, and community members, Fall for FARA brought in nearly $5,000 for Team Megan. Along with the funds that were previously donated online, that brings the grand total to over $9,000 for FARA! I can never say thank you enough to each and every person who donated, supported, or helped out in some way. On behalf of the entire FA community, thank you for helping to raise awareness and advance research. The race to cure FA might be a really long one, but because of you, we are one step closer to that finish line.
It’s hard to say what the next years will bring, but I, for one, would love to make Fall for FARA an annual tradition. See you next year…. Maybe?
Written by:
Megan Ploch, FARA Ambassador Program Volunteer