The 6th annual FARA/USF Health Scientific Symposium took place at the USF Health Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS) in Tampa, FL on Thursday, September 4, 2014. Researchers, clinicians, patients and families gathered together to hear upcoming research, possible treatments and patients’ inspiring stories of living with Friedreich’s Ataxia. This year’s focus was “what a difference a year makes” and all these three components were touched upon.

The FARA Energy Ball is an event held to benefit funds and research for FARA and USF Ataxia Research Center. $1.8 million was raised for research on Saturday, September 6th! Please read below for personal experiences shared by those living with FA...

Name: Ashley Dodson

Age: 30

Where do you call home? Alabama

Occupation/Employment: I'm a wife and I clean my house, that is my job. :)

How long have you been living (or known you are living) with Friedreich's Ataxia? I was around 8 when I was diagnosed. My teacher noticed my writing was shaky and I couldn't keep up during a spelling test, and when my sister would cut my bangs and I'd shut my eyes, I would loose my balance.

Do you have any known family history of similar symptoms to FA? No (not that I know of).

Sunday, September 7, 2014 was the 11th Annual Fuzzy Buzzy Golf Tournament. I am amazed every year at the length this tournament has been going. When the Fuzzy Buzzy started, there were not many other FARA fundraisers, but looking at the calendar these days, it’s a packed schedule. Once again, this year, was a great success. We raised $20,000 for FARA and even more awareness! This brings the 11 year total to $125,000, furthering research to find a cure for FA.

Name: Jason Dagley

Age: 29

Where do you call home? Frisco, Texas

Education: Some college

How long have you been living (or known you are living) with Friedreich's Ataxia? I have known I have FA since I was 10. My symptoms started around the age of 4-5. I was having difficulty in gym class doing aerobics. My coordination was off. The teacher suggested that I see my doctor. The doctor did some assessments in her office. She suggested that I have further tests done at Scottish Rite Hospital. After a thorough neurological test they really didn't know. In my medical record, it states that it couldn't be FA because my parents are only related by marriage. In the middle of all this we moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We were hooked up with a neurologist at children's hospital in New Orleans. She conducted more tests, nerve and muscle biopsy, EMG, nerve conductions, an MRI and a spinal tap. They even tested my parents with some these. Nothing was conclusive.