Name: Shammaz
Age: 28
Where do you call home? Kerala, India
Education: I have a bachelor's degree in finance.
You are not alone. The entire FA community, also known as the FAmily, is taking this journey with you. Meet a few of our dynamic people with FA below. New Meet the Community interviews are posted every Monday, so be sure to visit often. Please e-mail
The FARA Ambassadors are a group of people living with FA who are committed to supporting FARA in the search for a treatment and cure. They represent the community by speaking at events, meeting pharmaceutical partners, giving media interviews, and more.
Name: Shammaz
Age: 28
Where do you call home? Kerala, India
Education: I have a bachelor's degree in finance.
Name: Brenda Dixon
Age: 64
Where do you call home? Vancouver, BC
Education: College
Who do you live with? I live alone, with my cat.
What is a typical day for you? It varies- exercise, work online, physiotherapy
Name: Helen Kearney
Age: 32
Where do you call home? Dunlavin, a small village in Ireland.
Education: Commerce Hons degree from University College Dublin
What is your relationship status? Do you have any children? Single; living alone, but close to my hometown.
What is a typical day for you? I get up myself, make breakfast and get dressed. I’m a para-equestrian dressage athlete, so each morning I try to do something with the horses; generally riding and a little bit yard work. I return home and my carer then comes in and helps me with housework and helps with my lunch. Then, I relax for the afternoon and possibly do some computer work, if needed.
Name: Irina Tescureanu
Age: 34
Where do you call home? I was born in Moldova, but I call home the place where I feel happy, where next to me are people I love and people who love me.
What is a typical day for you? The typical day for me, besides the daily routine like shower, dressing, etc., starts with reading, computer working, piano lessons, and sometimes kinetotherapy.
Name: Ana Clara Passos
Age: 17
Where do you call home? A town in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
Education/Career: I'm in the 2nd year of high school and intend to go to college and study Biomedical Science. FA is just a detail.
Who do you live with? I live with my mother and siblings.
What is a typical day for you? My typical day is all about reading, exercising and studying.