Friedreich's Ataxia (FA)
Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a debilitating, degenerative,
neuro-muscular disorder affecting 15,000 people worldwide.
It is caused by an inherited genetic mutation that limits the production of a protein called frataxin.
1 in 100 people are carriers and don’t even know it until it affects their family.
Onset of symptoms can occur at varying degrees of severity from childhood to adulthood.
Symptoms include:
• loss of coordination (ataxia) in the arms and legs
• fatigue, energy deprivation, and muscle loss
• vision impairment, hearing loss, and slurred speech
• aggressive scoliosis (curvature of the spine)
• diabetes mellitus (insulin-dependent, in most cases)
• a serious heart condition (enlarged heart-hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) leading to shortened life expectancy
FARA's Mission is to marshal and focus the resources and relationships needed to cure FA by raising funds for research, promoting public awareness, and aligning scientists, patients, clinicians, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies and other organizations dedicated to curing FA and related diseases.
The Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) is a national, public, 501(c)(3), non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to the pursuit of scientific research leading to treatments and a cure for Friedreich’s ataxia.
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