LEARN ABOUT FA FROM INDIVIDUALS WITH FA, FAMILIES, RESEARCHERS, & MORE

Attend an Educational Event

The Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) hosts several educational events throughout the year including webinars, regional research receptions, and the annual Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) Symposium in Philadelphia which can be attended virtually or in-person.

These events highlight updates on the FA drug development pipeline, clinical management of FA, insights on living with FA and more. Speakers include researchers and pharmaceutical partners working on FA, clinicians with FA expertise, and individuals with FA and their caregivers.

Learn About FARA’s Educational Events
Team of people
GATHER TO RAISE FUNDS AND AWARENESS FOR FA

Attend a Community Event

With the help of local communities around the country, FARA hosts a wide array of events such as fundraisers and advocacy events. These events are one of many ways to contribute to FA awareness and finding treatments and cures.

For individuals living with FA and their families, attending community events offers invaluable opportunities to connect with others on the same journey, feel empowered, develop the skills and confidence to advocate for themselves, and witness first-hand the collective strength of community.

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Upcoming Community Events

EVENT | Nov 8 2025

rideATAXIA Dallas 2025

Get ready for an amazing day at Lewisville Railroad Park! Whether you're up for a 15, 10, or 4.5-mile ride, or a 1.5-mile walk/ride, there's something for everyone.

rideATAXIA
Lewisville Railroad Park, Lewisville, Texas
EVENT | Nov 15 2025

Poker Run to Cure FA

Hop in your car, jeep, or any motorized vehicle and enjoy a scenic drive around eastern Oklahoma for FA! Collect poker chips along the way for a chance to score big for FARA.

Grassroots
Armstrong Park – Vian Community Center, Vian
EVENT | Feb 28 2026

Rare Disease Day

Rare Disease Day is a global movement to raise awareness of rare diseases and work towards equity in health care, particularly access to diagnosis and approved treatments for people living with a rare disease. Since its inception, thousands of Rare Disease Day events have taken place across the world, reaching millions of people and fostering a growing public understanding of rare diseases and the high unmet medical need of this community.

Advocacy
Global
SUPPORT FARA IN THE SEARCH FOR TREATMENTS AND CURES

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

Meet the Community

Blog | Oct 20, 2025

Meet the Community: Jack Tyson

Community
Blog | Oct 13, 2025

Meet the Community: Michael Gehr

Community
Blog | Oct 6, 2025

Meet the Community: Casey Kasselder

Community
Blog | Sep 22, 2025

Meet the Community: Anna Helmig

Community
Blog | Sep 15, 2025

Meet the Community: Donna Littell

Community
News | Sep 12, 2025

Siblings Jake and Claire Juip face Friedreich's ataxia together

Community
Blog | Sep 2, 2025

Meet the Community: Braxton Terrebonne

Community
Blog | Aug 25, 2025

Meet the Community: Erin Solomon

Community
Blog | Aug 18, 2025

Meet the Community: Armin Mansory

Community
Blog | Aug 11, 2025

Meet the Community: Carla Poletti

Community
Blog | Aug 4, 2025

Meet the Community: Carrie Bolinger

Community
Blog | Jul 28, 2025

Meet the Community: Tiffany Nash Fransen

Community
POWER THE CURE FOR FRIEDREICH’S ATAXIA

The FA App

The FA App helps connect and empower individuals with FA worldwide so they can meaningfully participate in FA research. The FA App is available on iOS and Android.

Download FA App
FA AppStore logo
FAPG, FA HANGOUTS, FA TEEN HANGOUTS

Other Ways to Connect

There are many other platforms that individuals with FA and their families can use to connect with each other, both through FARA and externally. The Friedreich’s Ataxia Parents Group (FAPG) is a free international email-based support group for parents and guardians of children with FA or other childhood-onset/undiagnosed ataxias. The FAPG is run by a group of parents of individuals with FA.

Each month, FARA ambassadors host virtual Hangouts (for adults) and Teen Hangouts (for ages 13-19). FA Hangouts are an opportunity to hang out online for adults with Friedreich’s ataxia (caregivers to assist are welcome to accompany adults with FA). Teen Hangouts is an opportunity to hang out online for teens with ataxia, moderated by two adult FARA ambassadors. Visit the page to learn more about the schedule and guidelines.

FA Hangouts logo

Join FARA’s Community Newsletter

Stay up to date on the latest educational events for the FA community and more. FARA offers monthly newsletters for community members, researchers, FA advocates, and more. Choose your preferences using the form to the right and you’ll be on your way to staying connected and informed.

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