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 | Jul 19 2026

rideATAXIA Chicago 2026

Save the date for rideATAXIA Chicago! More details to come soon!

rideATAXIA
Channahon Central Park, Channahon, Illinois
EVENT | Jul 25 2026

FA Fest

Enjoy food, beverages, a casino with blackjack (for fun, not money), tarot card readings, digital portraits, yard games, raffle prizes and more.

Grassroots
Freeman Residence, Edina, Minnesota
EVENT | Aug 2 2026

rideATAXIA Hometown Boston

Join our local Boston committee for a family-friendly ride along the original battlefields where the Revolutionary War began.

rideATAXIA
Lexington Visitors Center, Lexington, Massachusetts
EVENT | Aug 8 2026

Swing for a Cure: Softball Tournament

10U Rec Friendly Softball Tournament to benefit FARA

Grassroots
Greentown Athletic Club, Uniontown
EVENT | Aug 9 2026

Rock 'N' Jock Charities: Night of Entertainment

A Night of Entertainment featuring Steve Smith and The Nakeds with special guests, a silent auction, dinner, drinks and dancing.

Grassroots
The Crowne Plaza Warwick, Warwick
EVENT | Aug 9 2026

Rock 'N' Jock Charities: Golf Tournament

Golf Tournament benefitting FARA and A Wish Come True.

Grassroots
Potowomut Golf Club, East Greenwich
EVENT | Aug 11 2026

rideATAXIA Hometown — rideWILD: Haleakala

In Support of Friedreich's ataxia (FA) research, on August 11, 2026, we will ride our bikes to the top of a Volcano in Hawaii. Haleakala - Sea Level to 10,000' in 35 miles.

rideATAXIA Hometown
Haleakala, Maui, Hawaii
EVENT | Aug 15 2026

Saddle Up for FARA

Join the Edmonson Family for cocktails, dinner, and an exclusive trunk show with luxury western vendors flying in from across the country.

Grassroots
Bear Hill Cattle Company, Dade City
EVENT | Aug 22 2026

Go Hog Wild for FARA!

Go Hog Wild for FARA! $40 includes full meal with pig and sides, hamburgers, and hotdogs. Children under 12 free.

Grassroots
Thompson Rod and Gun Club, Thompson
EVENT | Aug 22 2026

Sweet Caroline's 21 for FARA

Join us for a night of music and celebration to raise funds for the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA)! Hosted by the Smith Family. Featuring Blackberry Breeze.

Grassroots
Choctafaula Ranch, Auburn, Alabama
EVENT | Aug 23 2026

rideATAXIA Hometown Cleveland

Join us on Saturday, August 23 for rideATAXIA Hometown Cleveland! Registration to open in June.

rideATAXIA
Berea, OH
EVENT | Sep 3 2026

Living Life Happily: Access to a Cure

Living Life Happily: Access to a Cure, hosted by hosted by Peace Love ACCESSibility, brings our community together to support accessibility, inclusion, and research for a cure for people living with Friedreich’s ataxia.

Grassroots
The Owenego, Branford, Connecticut
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 | Jul 13, 2026

Meet The Community: Kanhaiya Lal Kumawat

Community
Blog | Jul 6, 2026

Meet The Community 2: A Closer Look — Lilly Woods

Community
Blog | Jul 2, 2026

A Reflection on Friedreich's Ataxia and Research from Sam Dupre

Community
Blog | Jun 8, 2026

Meet The Community: Deborah Medford

Community
Blog | Jun 1, 2026

Meet The Community: Kadence Foley

Community
Blog | May 25, 2026

Meet The Community: Carly Stinson

Community
Blog | May 18, 2026

Meet The Community: Shay

Community
Blog | May 11, 2026

Meet The Community: Christina Laurin

Community
Blog | May 5, 2026

Meet The Community: Amelia and Laurel

Community
Blog | Apr 27, 2026

Meet The Community: Frankie Leath

Community
Blog | Apr 13, 2026

Meet the Community 2: A Closer Look – Ilva Johannsdóttir Madsen

Community
Blog | Mar 30, 2026

Meet The Community: Emily Rogez

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.

Subscribe

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