Ohio native Elizabeth Hamilton felt her world flip when her younger daughter’s health unexpectedly declined. It took six hospitals in five different cities and three states to obtain the diagnosis of Friedreich’s ataxia in 2020. A licensed social worker, Elizabeth believes that relationships are a healing force, and most problems can be solved if you have the right tools and the right people. Life takes unexpected turns, so we must take a moment to reexamine where we are and recalibrate.
Read moreFAer Sydni Dupre Never Slows Down!
Sydni Dupre is a young, vibrant entrepreneur who happens to have Friedriech’s ataxia (FA).
Read moreFARA Ambassador Madelyn Frederick, in her own words
I am 24 years old and a Texas native. At 13 years old, I was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA). I found out that I had hit the genetic jackpot.
Read moreMEET FA'er Emily Rogez
Emily Rogez with mom, Tracy, brother Trey, and his daughters, Paisley and Hannah
Twenty-seven-year-old Emily has lived on her family homestead with her mother, Tracy, and older brother’s family for about a year.
Read moreMEET FA'er Christin Haun
I am Christin Haun from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, part of the Tulsa metro area. I was diagnosed in 1985, at 14 years old, as having Friedreich's ataxia.
Read moreMEET OUR FA FAMILIES: Taber Elam and His Family
Eighth grader Taber Elam has had quite a journey since 5th grade…
Read moreMEET OUR FAMILIES: Heather Janssen and Her Family
Heather was determined to walk across the stage unassisted to receive her diploma. After having fallen ill during Spring Break, she became more and more unsteady on her feet. Being the independent young woman she is while having had to learn to start asking for help, Heather hatched a plan so she could walk at graduation.
Read moreMEET SILVER SPONSOR AND FA'er Robert Rhodes
My case is atypical and was detected later than normal. As an infant I experienced congestive heart failure and, at the time, it was treated solely as a heart condition. The technology to screen for genetic diseases wasn’t yet available. I developed gait and balance issues in my mid-20s. It wasn't until those were investigated that FA came to light. I was officially diagnosed when I was 31 years old.
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