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).

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.

Name: Sam Brown

Age: 14

Where do you call home? Allen, Oklahoma

Education: 8th grade

How long have you been living (or known you are living) with Friedreich's Ataxia? I was eight years old and in second grade when I was diagnosed.

Describe your transition from walking to walker/wheelchair. My chair has made it so much easier getting around - kinda made me lazy. Although, I do wish I could keep my legs straight with a walker. I started using a chair full-time before I was 10. I really don't remember much about that time.

Preston (in the driver's seat) and his friend, WesleyName: Preston Lynch

Age: 21

Where do you call home? South Texas

Education: I am currently going to college at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi. I am a junior studying for a bachelors in education.

How long have you been living (or known you are living) with Friedreich's Ataxia? When I was 12 my parents noticed that I was uncoordinated and took me to a pediatrician. He had an idea of what was wrong but he wanted to be certain and that's when the blood tests started. Two weeks later I found out I had FA.