FARA supports an autopsy and tissue donation research program at the VA Medical Center in Albany, New York under principal investigator Dr. Arnulf Koeppen, a neurologist and neuropathologist. Dr. Koeppen has made significant contributions to our understanding of FA and other ataxias.
He has provided insight about severity of illness and cause of death to many FA families who lost a loved son, daughter, brother, sister, wife, or husband. Dr. Koeppen collaborates with many FA researchers all over the world. He shares his experience with other investigators and makes available valuable FA tissues for ongoing and future research.
Tissue Bank Access
This tissue bank has fixed and frozen tissues from brain, spinal cord, heart, sural nerve, and pancreas of 30 individuals with FA. Requests for these tissues can be made directly to Dr. Koeppen.
Arnulf H. Koeppen, M.D.
Research Service (151)
VA Medical Center
113 Holland Ave
Albany, N.Y. 12208
Tel. 518-626-6377 (office)
Tel. 518-626-5474 (lab)
Cell phone 518-229-4765
FAX 518-626-6369
e-mail: arnulf.koeppen@med.va.gov
Tissue donation
People with FA and their family members are invited to inquire about autopsy and tissue donation for research. Friedreich's ataxia is a very complex disease that affects the spinal cord, nerves, brain, heart, bone, and insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. When a person dies from the complications of the disease, a rapid autopsy will allow researchers to harvest important organs for detailed study. The goal is to learn as much as possible about FA and apply new knowledge to diagnosis, treatment, and care of other patients with the disease.
For information and formal enrollment in a research program, contact
Arnulf H. Koeppen, M.D.
Research Service (151)
VA Medical Center
113 Holland Ave
Albany, N.Y. 12208
Tel. 518-626-6377 (office)
Tel. 518-626-5474 (lab)
Cell phone 518-229-4765
FAX 518-626-6369
e-mail: arnulf.koeppen@med.va.gov
Parent Perspective
Raychel is a parent who has gone through this process. She offers her compassion and wisdom as she helps organize the donation.
Studies of her son Keith's organs and tissues have played a key role in understanding the effects of the disease on the heart and other organs.
Read Raychel's personal story of Keith's donation
For additional information for families on donations and help making the arrangements, contact:
Raychel Furr Bartek
FARA Tissue and Organ Donation Liaison
email: pridesmill@yahoo.com
cell phone: 605-430-5375 (text or call)
The FA research community is optimistic about advances in our understanding of the disease and new treatments. Many recent breakthroughs are based on research that has only been possible because FA families have donated tissues.
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