During my growing up years, the family next door to me (still currently close family friends), had two family members diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia, a disease they still battle today. It is a genetic, progressive neuromuscular disease. People with FA experience issues with balance and coordination of movement that lead to life-altering loss of mobility. Other common symptoms can include fatigue, serious heart conditions, scoliosis, and diabetes. FA is life-shortening and affects an estimated 5,000 individuals in the United States and 15,000 worldwide.
I fight so that they and others affected by this disease, along with anyone suffering from neurological sicknesses can know that the community fights together to research a cure through hard work and determination.
I also fight as a way to give back, and for people to know, that no matter where you are in life, there is always a deeper side of you that has more strength and courage than you ever knew existed.