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 | 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
EVENT | Mar 7 2026

Hope for ToMORROW

Join Hope for ToMORROW to celebrate FARA and its contributions to research for Friedreich's Ataxia.

Grassroots
The Bryn Mawr School, Baltimore, Maryland
EVENT | Mar 14 2026

Houston FA Research Reception

This is a 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
Embassy Suites by Hilton The Woodlands® at Hughes Landing, The Woodlands
EVENT | Mar 28 2026

Hope for a Cure

Presented by The Race for Matt & Grace. Admission includes generous selection of food stations, passed hors d’oeuvres, and live entertainment.

Grassroots
The Hope Club, Providence
EVENT | Apr 11 2026

rideATAXIA Hometown Lake Charles

We invite you to join us for a fun 3-mile ride at Sam Houston Jones State Park and celebrate your fundraising efforts with teammates.

rideATAXIA
Sam Houston Jones State Park, Lake Charles, Louisiana
EVENT | Apr 24 2026

Torrance FA Research Reception

The Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) will host a half-day FA Research Reception on April 24 at the Torrance Marriott Redondo Beach in Torrance, CA.

Education
Torrance Marriott Redondo Beach, Torrance, California
EVENT | Apr 28 2026

Raise A Glass to FARA - Wine Tasting

Raise a glass to FARA with a wine tasting at Gooseneck Vineyards! $30 Admission includes a complimentary glass of wine and appetizers.

Grassroots
Gooseneck Vineyards, North Kingstown, Rhode Island
EVENT | May 9 2026

rideATAXIA Hometown Chico

Join us on May 9 for a pre-Mother's Day family-friendly ride!

rideATAXIA
Bidwell Park, Chico, California
EVENT | May 9 2026

New Jersey Seaside Stride

SAVE THE DATE! The NJ Seaside Stride is a fun, family-oriented event hosted by NJ families working to raise awareness and research funds for FA. The event features a walk on the boardwalk, lunch, and gift auction. More info to come.

Grassroots
Tri-Boro First Aid Squad, Seaside Park, New Jersey
EVENT | May 11 2026

rideATAXIA Hometown Danville

rideATAXIA
Danville, CA, Danville, California
EVENT | Jun 1 2026

9th Annual Race for Matt & Grace Golf Tournament

Golf tournament benefitting The Race for Matt & Grace, Inc.

Grassroots
Potowomut Golf Club, East Greenwich
EVENT | Jun 13 2026

Oklahoma City FA Research Reception

Education
Omni Oklahoma City Hotel, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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 | Feb 16, 2026

Meet the Community: Josh Wooten

Community
Blog | Feb 9, 2026

Meet the Community: Preston Lynch

Community
Blog | Jan 5, 2026

Meet the Community: Jamie Cusick

Community
Blog | Dec 29, 2025

Meet the Community: Aly Bourbeau

Community
Blog | Dec 22, 2025

Meet the Community: Giovanna Boscolo Castilho Gonçalves

Community
Blog | Dec 15, 2025

Meet the Community: Renee Brown

Community
Blog | Dec 8, 2025

Meet the Community: Roxanne

Community
Blog | Dec 1, 2025

Meet the Community: Lily Pierce

Community
Blog | Nov 24, 2025

Meet the Community: Alex Fielding

Community
Blog | Nov 17, 2025

Meet the Community: Mary-Jayne Holley

Community
Blog | Nov 10, 2025

Meet the Community: Alexis Baker

Community
Blog | Nov 3, 2025

Meet the Community: Melanie

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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