DOWNINGTON, Pa. – Sept 2026 – The Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA), in partnership with the Burrows Hill Foundation, Catrike, and The FA Project, is pleased to award adaptive cycling equipment to people with ataxia through the Ataxian Athlete Initiative (AAI). The organizations are proud to announce the 18th year AAI recipients: Arlee Lange, Gregory, MI; Gavin Sippel, San Diego, CA; Jackson Elling, Kissimmee, FL.
Ataxia is a debilitating neuro-degenerative disease affecting children and adults. Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is the most common of inherited ataxias, affecting balance and coordination and has symptoms such as vision and hearing loss and life shortening heart complications.
All equipment recipients articulated a strong commitment to staying active through adaptive cycling.
“I would like a bike so that I can go as fast as other kids,” says 9-year-old recipient Arlee Lange. “If I can’t go on an adaptive bike, I won’t be able to go or be with the other kids, and that makes me feel sad. When I’m riding a bike that goes fast, it makes me feel like my FA doesn’t matter.”
As the lead sponsor, the Burrows Hill Foundation generously provided significant funding for the 2026 AAI.
“Working alongside the AAI has been a truly rewarding experience for The Burrows Hill Foundation,” said Sam Hill. “We know that staying active can make a real difference for people living with FA, and we’re proud to support programs that help individuals stay healthy, engaged, and connected to their communities.”
AAI grants are administered through a competitive application process. Applicants research the most appropriate adaptive cycling equipment to suit their abilities and describe how such equipment would help them to reach their fitness goals and improve their quality of life.
Visit curefa.org/aai for more information. The next application cycle begins in Spring 2027.
About Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance
The Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to curing Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) through research. FARA grants and activities provide support for basic and translational FA research, pharmaceutical/biotech drug development, clinical trials, and scientific conferences. FARA is also dedicated to bringing the patient voice to the drug development process by connecting FA families with the scientific community to create worldwide exchanges of information that drive medical advances. For more information about FARA, visit curefa.org facebook.com/curefa
About The Burrows Hill Foundation
The Burrows Hill Foundation to Fight Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, tax-exempt organization established to raise public awareness of FA, to raise money for research to find a cure for FA, and to assist those affected by FA. For more information about The Burrows Hill Foundation, visit burrows-hill.org.
About The FA Project
The FA Project is a 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization established in Massachusetts. Their goal is to raise awareness and funds to benefit those affected with Friedreich’s ataxia.