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Christian Maugee has served as a FARA ambassador since 2024 and dedicates his time to help spread awareness of FA. He is currently getting his PhD in Genetics and Genomics at the University of Florida studying FA in his lab . His favorite FARA event is the FARA Energy Ball. Christian would tell someone newly diagnosed “YOLO”.

Brendan Halverson has served as an ambassador since 2019 and dedicates his time to meeting new people and advocating for FA. He is an alumni of Harper Creek High School, Kellogg Community College, and currently attends Western Michigan University. In his free time, Brendan enjoys playing video games with friends, both watching and playing adaptive sports, and being with family. His favorite FARA event is the Cure FA Soirée. Brendan would tell someone newly diagnosed that FA is not the end of the world. FA has its ups and downs but we all are united to find a cure together.

Andrea has served as a FARA ambassador since 2019 and dedicates her time to bringing joy and making others laugh. Andrea is a college student that is furthering her career in “Spanish language." She enjoys playing Xbox with her friends, reading, writing, and playing the piano (slowly😂). Her favorite FARA event is the Southern California rideATAXIA. Andrea would tell someone newly diagnosed “live, keep going, and always find a reason to smile.”

Jessica Ratliff was diagnosed with Friedreich Ataxia (FA) at the age of 28. She considers herself blessed to be the mother of 2 boys, born in 2019 and 2020, and raising her family with her husband and high school sweetheart. Jessica is educated in business finance accounting and worked as a certified nurse’s aide. Following her FA diagnosis, Jessica learned she could not have any more children due to the potential ill-affects her medication may cause. Today, Jessica is a fulltime mom, focusing on her family and managing her FA. She has become a powerful social media advocate raising awareness about FA and rare diseases.

Carli has served as an ambassador since 2019 and will share her story with anyone that will listen and also enjoys listening to others. Carli is a divorced mom of two very athletic and busy kids. Her favorite FARA event is the virtual CHOP symposium. Carli would tell someone newly diagnosed “be selective with who and what you spend your limited energy on. Quality, not quantity”.

Jennifer has served as a FARA ambassador since 2020 and dedicates her time to being involved in the community she didn’t have when she was diagnosed in 1990. She has a BA in English and a MS in Recreation. In 2001, she moved from Wisconsin to San Diego and worked for various non-profits and UC San Diego. In 2014, she stopped working due to an additional diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Her debut memoir, My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis, was published on September 7, 2023, and has won several awards. It is about her journey from fear to acceptance after being diagnosed with FA. Her favorite FARA event is the symposium in Philadelphia. Jennifer would tell someone newly diagnosed that they still have value and are lovable and that it’s okay to ask for help—needing help is not a sign of weakness. You can accomplish many things with some adaptation. Disability is not a bad word.

María Mercedes has served as a FARA ambassador for several years and dedicates her time helping other people going through the same things and staying updated about the advances on FA treatments. She loves God because she has discovered that he is the definition of love. She also likes to spend time with her family and travel with them. María Mercedes studied at college and later got a master's degree, but right now she doesn’t work because of her FA progression. Her favorite FARA events are the ones where people get to connect because they help the FA community feel less alone and realize that others are going through the same things. María Mercedes would tell someone newly diagnosed to search for God and follow him because if she had done that earlier, she would’ve avoided a lot of suffering. She would also tell them to be patient with themselves.

Gabrielle has served as a FARA ambassador since 2018 and dedicates her time to help FARA and the FA community in whatever way she can. She is passionate about music and graduated from the University of Montreal with a degree in Math. She is an actuary; currently an associate and studying to become a fellow. Her favorite FARA event is the CHOP symposium. Gabrielle would tell someone newly diagnosed: “It’s not easy, but don’t give up, and don’t let this stop you from getting what you want. Don’t let this beat you”.

Breanne has served as a FARA ambassador since 2024 and dedicates her time to getting involved with the FA community. Breanne enjoys reading and writing in her free time and is a student at UW-Whitewater. Her favorite FARA events are the FA Research Receptions. Breanne would tell someone who is newly diagnosed to stay active and to continue to do the things that you enjoy.

Chris Meyer has served as a FARA ambassador since 2018 and dedicates his time to increasing awareness of Friedreich’s ataxia, helping others battling FA, and empowering the community. He enjoys all kinds of outdoor adventures and works for REI with his love and knowledge of nature and the outdoors. He is able to teach people how to get into the outdoors with any physical disability. His favorite FARA events are any and all rideATAXIA events. Chris would tell someone newly diagnosed: "Life is difficult for everyone, but even more with FA! But don’t let it stop you. Keep your body moving". Happiness is up to you!

Sam has served as a FARA ambassador since 2023 and dedicates his time to raising awareness about Friedreich's Ataxia (FA) through his sport of Wheelchair Fencing. His journey with FA began at age 15, leading to a period of adaptation and rediscovery. Sam enjoys representing Australia in wheelchair fencing, spending time with friends and family, and walking his loyal canine companion, Pax. His favorite FARA event is the "Lend Us Some Muscle" initiative. In 2024, he and a close friend completed a 30km walk across Sydney for the LUSM fundraiser. Sam would tell someone newly diagnosed with FA: "Allow yourself to mourn, search for your passions, and never stop moving forward both mentally and physically"!

Michael has served as a FARA Ambassador since 2018 and dedicates his time to build and strengthen the FA Community. He loves music and Major League Baseball. His favorite FARA event is the Cure FA Soirée, hosted by the Oklahoma FA Community. This event was started by Michael and his family in 2018. Michael would tell someone newly diagnosed to make sure to lean on the Community. They're the closest it gets to someone who understands what you're going through, and they'll be your biggest supporters.