Screen Shot 2019 05 03 at 10.34.02 AMHey, my name is Jakob Mitterhauser. I am 26 years old and was diagnosed with FA in 2011. I live and study Urban Climate in Vienna, Austria, Europe.

I have two siblings who are both not affected by FA (not even carriers). In 2016 I first researched the disease and found FARA and Ride Ataxia. So I traveled to Philadelphia to attend the ride and the Symposium. I learned there that community and raising awareness and money for research is helping a lot to accept the disease and find a treatment/cure for FA.

 

FA made me change my lifestyle and life philosophy completely. Due to low GAA repeats and a healthy life (meditation, physical therapy, vegan diet), I do not face progression and keep in a good shape.

Because I am organizing FA events in Europe, attending Ride Ataxia and leading the International FA Hangout it was clear to become an Ambassador. This helps to spread out more hope and awareness for FA.