Fundraising & Events

Fundraisers are one way community members can contribute to FA research. Each gathering fuels critical research and paves the way to bring treatments and cures to the FA community. FARA hosts fundraisers all over the United States, such as the glamorous Energy Ball in Tampa, FL and the nationwide cycling series rideATAXIA.  Dedicated volunteers also host local events as part of FARA’s grassroots program.

Can’t find an event near you? FARA’s fundraising team empowers individuals and groups to plan community events—from dinner parties to 5k walks to drive-in movies.

Learn About FARA Fundraising & Events
lots of hands with cure FA message

Upcoming Events

EVENT | Oct 11 2026

rideATAXIA Philly 2026

Join us at Montgomery County Community College for an amazing day with our FAmily. Choose between a 3-, 6-, 26-, or 46-mile ride, or a 1.5-mile walk/ride on campus – there's something for everyone! After your ride, join us for an awesome celebration of your fundraising efforts to help find treatments and cures for FA.

rideATAXIA
Montgomery County Community College, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania
EVENT | Oct 11 2026

Jumpin' for Jazz Benefit Concert & Silent Auction

Join Jumpin' for Jazz in Indianapolis, Indiana for a silent auction and live music featuring Rob Dixon and Sandy Williams.

Grassroots
Jazz Kitchen, Indianapolis, Indiana
EVENT | Oct 12 2026

FARA & CHOP FA Symposium

Save the date! This is a free day-long event held in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, filled with presentations for people living with FA and their families, with the option to participate in-person or virtually.

Education
EVENT | Oct 17 2026

USF Research Reception Brunch

The Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) is pleased to present this free, in-person educational event for the FA community. FA Research Receptions provide individuals and families affected by FA with up-to-date information about Friedreich’s ataxia research and an opportunity to meet others in the community.

Education
USF Health Morsani College of Medicine & Heart Institute, Tampa
EVENT | Oct 17 2026

The FARA Energy Ball

The FARA Energy Ball is a high-energy gala that brings together hundreds of supporters to raise funds for critical research into Friedreich's ataxia (FA).

FARA Energy Ball
Tampa Marriott Water Street, Tampa, Florida
EVENT | Oct 18 2026

#CureFA Baseball Exhibition Game

Head Coach Tracy Archuleta and Indiana State baseball are set to host another CUREFA Game!

Grassroots
Bob Warn Field, Terre Haute
EVENT | Oct 24 2026

Mattoberfest 2026

Enjoy an Octoberfest event for FARA in Matt DiIorio's memory.

Grassroots
Narragansett Brewery, Providence
EVENT | Nov 1 2026

Team FARA: TCS New York City Marathon

FARA is an Official Charity Partner for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon. Team FARA will run the marathon to redefine what is possible when we work together towards a common goal- treatments and a cure for Friedreich's ataxia (FA).

Grassroots
new york, New York
EVENT | Nov 7 2026

rideATAXIA Dallas 2026

Get ready for an amazing day at Lewisville Railroad Park on Saturday, November 7! Registration is now open.

rideATAXIA
Lewisville Railroad Park, Lewisville, Texas
EVENT | Nov 10 2026

International Congress for Ataxia Research

Ataxia UK, NAF, FARA, and AGI are pleased to announce the date for the next International Congress for Ataxia Research (ICAR). ICAR 2026 will take place at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center in Atlanta, GA. Please save the date for November 10-13, 2026.

Research
Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center, Atlanta, Georgia
EVENT | Nov 14 2026

Epic Game Day

The most epic of game days - to benefit FARA. The event will feature food, free-play games, and tournaments.

Grassroots
Natural Twenty Games, Henderson
EVENT | Feb 6 2027

Runway to the Cure

Join us on February 6, 2027, from 6-10 PM for Runway to the Cure at Banyan Air in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Enjoy dinner, a silent auction, and music while supporting Friedreich’s Ataxia research!

Grassroots
Banyan Air, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Connect

FARA fosters a vibrant community, offering both in-person and virtual ways to connect so you can find support and strength on your journey. Connect in-person or virtually with families and individuals with FA or learn more directly from the professionals at one of FARA’s educational events.

Make a Connection
3 female and 1 male with lovely smiles image

FARA Ambassador Program

The FARA Ambassador Program is a united volunteer team of individuals living with FA. FARA Ambassadors are positive, supportive, peer representatives for the FA community who actively raise awareness and funds for FARA. Their dedicated support of FARA is key to continued success toward FARA’s ultimate goal of treatments and cures for FA.

Team of pople at event

Ways to Give

FARA is committed to advancing research towards meaningful therapeutics for Friedreich’s ataxia. Because FARA focuses its funding solely on carefully vetted research, each donation fuels the very engine driving progress in the search for treatments and cures – a testament to the collective power of compassion and action.

From small monthly donations through the Pathway program to employer-matched donations, there are many ways to give that suit any budget or financial situation.

Group of children in fancy dress

Participate in Research

Individuals with FA can be powerful partners in research. Sharing your experiences and data through research studies helps scientists learn more about FA and moves us closer to new treatments and cures.

Studies come in different forms, some simply observing the progression of the disease (natural history studies), while others test new treatment options (interventional clinical trials). Regardless of the type, participation is crucial to advancing research.

Participate in Research
young girl in hospital

Advocate

The most effective voice in making change is yours. Public policy and legislation can impact research, drug development, drug approvals, patient access to approved medications and health care, and more. By using your voice to advocate for the FA community, you are advancing FARA’s mission to expedite treatments for FA.

Learn About FA Advocacy
Man speaking at conference

Join FARA’s Community Newsletter

Stay up to date with the latest updates at FARA and in the whole FA community. FARA offers monthly newsletters for community members, researchers, FA advocates, and more. Sign up today and you’ll be on your way to staying connected and informed.

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