My name is Jennifer Gasner. My FA diagnosis came nearly 30 years ago, at 17. It was genetically confirmed when the test became available. I have a BA in English and a Masters in Recreation. I grew up in Wisconsin. In 1999 I started using a wheelchair and began working with Independent Living Centers, (ILC's), an important resource for people with disabilities that I knew nothing about. That experience changed my perspective on disability so much. It led to being proud to be disabled, which I had been avoiding referring to myself as. I also felt comradery with my disabled friends, regardless of their diagnosis. I had only briefly met one other FA'er and felt very alone. It was great to discover commonalities and people who had experienced things I hadn't as FA progressed.

Name: Matthew Jordan Penman

Age: 35

Where do you call home? Calgary, Alberta. Canada.

Education degree(s): I have a diploma in Professional Counseling, Certificate in Addiction Work and I am currently working on my Masters in Counseling.

Who do you live with? I am living with my wife, my father, who lives with us, and our fur babies, Fergus (Husky/German Shepherd), and Charli (Purebred Boxer).

What's a typical day for you? Currently, I am working in a harm reduction facility for seniors and working on my portfolio for my RPL to get into a master's program. We are trying to buy a house right now, and it's our first, so it's very time-consuming.

Name: María Luisa Ledesma Cano

Age: 27

Where do you call home? Talarrubias, Badajoz, Spain

What is a current goal you have with your education? My dream would be to work as a social worker, because I am studying it.

Who do you live with? I live with my mother, but in the school period, I live in a center where my life is independent.

What's a typical day for you? Well, in my town, it's a little boring because there is little accessibility. But where I live for a few months, I get up to study and do activities.

The FARA Ambassador Program presents an FA Hangout talking about: How do you maintain independence? Tell us! June 23rd and 24th at 8-9:30 PM EST. This hangout will be led by Justin and Lake.

At FA Hangouts, we laugh, we connect, we hangout, we learn from and about each other...it is so fun! It is just an informal discussion with a theme. We just talk when the theme has run its course, no pressure. People who just want to listen are very welcome!

Every Hangout is open to anyone 18+ with FA and a translator if needed for hearing or speech difficulties. (mark your calendars, FA Hangouts will be the last consecutive Tuesday and Wednesday of the month, except on holidays and the like) at 8-9:30 PM EST.