A Practical Guide to Life with FA – a Column by Christina Cordaro

Christina is a young woman from Philadelphia, PA, who strives to live a full and independent life. Disabled, yet strong-minded, Christina is a recent graduate of Johnson & Wales University working full time in hospitality management with Hyatt Hotels Corporation. She’s married to her pillar of strength, Justin. Christina never fails to advocate and raise awareness of Friedreich’s ataxia in her day-to-day life.

March 6, 2020March 5, 2020

Podcast Series Promotes FA Advocacy

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

The world celebrated Rare Disease Day on Feb. 29. Rare Disease Day is a global initiative to raise awareness for over 6,000 rare diseases that affect an estimated 300 ... Read more

February 28, 2020February 26, 2020

Accessible Stalls Are More Than a Convenience

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

Living with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) has taught me to appreciate the little things. I was reminded of this when I discovered a new symptom of my FA journey: bladder ... Read more

February 14, 2020February 13, 2020

Rare Disease Day 2020: How You Can Get Involved

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

Did you know that one in 20 people will live with a rare disease at some point in their lifetime? Rare Disease Day, on Feb. 29, is a global ... Read more

February 7, 2020February 5, 2020

Treat Others as You Want to Be Treated

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

I have a chip on my shoulder from living with a rare neuromuscular disease. I feel the need to be accepted and welcomed by today’s society, and I set ... Read more

January 31, 2020January 30, 2020

Massage Therapy Helped to Relieve My Stress and Pain

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

Sometimes we need to take a break, to relax and breathe. Many stresses can affect young adults, including money, work deadlines, cost of living, and family issues, among others. ... Read more

January 24, 2020January 22, 2020

6 Ways to Stay Active During the Winter

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

Have a case of the winter blues? Cold weather can make anyone want to hibernate under a warm blanket and never leave home. When living with Friedreich’s ataxia, nothing ... Read more

January 17, 2020January 15, 2020

We Have Much to Consider When Growing Our Family

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

Marriage is wonderful, but it comes with challenges. When one partner has Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), the challenges may be overwhelming. Now imagine the second partner also lives with a ... Read more

January 10, 2020January 10, 2020

Stand Against Negative Comments and Use Them to Build Your Strength

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

Many people aren’t aware of how sensitive people with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) can be about using a mobility aid. I struggle with feeling like a “minority” in society by ... Read more

January 3, 2020December 19, 2019

A New Year Creates New Opportunities

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

Happy New Year! I hope all my readers had a great holiday with their loved ones and are ready for 2020. I had three main goals for 2019 regarding ... Read more

December 20, 2019December 18, 2019

A Guide to Managing Stress During the Holiday Season

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Isn’t that what everyone is singing and saying? Christmas music is playing wherever you go, houses are decorated with lights, and ... Read more

December 13, 2019December 11, 2019

Showing Gratitude for My Loved Ones

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

Since my diagnosis with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), I have learned something about myself. I realize that when making plans, I must consider my needs, including accessibility, and I try ... Read more

December 6, 2019December 4, 2019

This Year, I Am Thankful for Friedreich’s Ataxia

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

Every fall, I find myself being thankful for my family and friends and hoping that they are in good health. I am also grateful for the relationships I have ... Read more

November 22, 2019November 20, 2019

The Time Was Right for My Own Wheelchair

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

“It is time,” I thought to myself. A number of loved ones had presented the idea of transitioning from a rollator to a wheelchair out of concerns for my ... Read more

November 15, 2019November 13, 2019

Podcast Sponsored by Reata Pharmaceuticals Focuses on Community Engagement

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

Members of the Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) community are waking up each morning with extra grateful and hopeful hearts, thanks to the recent news of a successful clinical trial sponsored ... Read more

November 8, 2019November 6, 2019

Rediscovering My Passion for Baking

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

I recently rediscovered my passion for baking. My hopes and dreams should not be put on hold because of Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). I should not be discouraged from doing what ... Read more

November 1, 2019October 30, 2019

Bucket List Means More When Living with FA

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

My passion for the hospitality and tourism industry has shaped my bucket list. I love to travel and explore new cities. During high school, I traveled to Europe three ... Read more

October 25, 2019October 23, 2019

Stay Involved in the FA Community Even When You Can’t Attend an Event

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

In a previous column, I wrote about rideATAXIA Philadelphia and the 12th Annual Friedreich’s Ataxia Symposium, hosted by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. People with Friedrich’s ataxia (FA), members ... Read more

October 18, 2019October 17, 2019

FA Events Give Us a Sense of Community and Belonging

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

October is my favorite month. I love the feeling of new beginnings that comes with the crisp fall air. And I’m excited about two major Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) events ... Read more

October 11, 2019October 9, 2019

How I Realized I Was Ready to Transition to the Next Assistive Device

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

I often revisit a memory from eight years ago when my family and I were in a patient room at Johns Hopkins Hospital. I had undergone multiple tests, and ... Read more

October 4, 2019October 1, 2019

3 Reminders for Living with an Invisible Disease

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

Living with an invisible disability is not easy. Symptoms that cannot be seen are difficult for outsiders to understand. Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) entails neurological issues, heart conditions, fatigue, and ... Read more

September 27, 2019October 23, 2019

Federal Lawsuit Targets Philadelphia’s Inaccessible Streets and Sidewalks

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

I read an article recently in The Philadelphia Inquirer that affected me on a personal level and left an impression. It addresses the poor condition of sidewalks and curb ... Read more

September 20, 2019September 25, 2019

Every Dollar Counts: Hosting a ‘Dine Back Night’ for FA

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

My family and I organize an annual grassroots event called the 5K Mother’s Day Race for Christina. This May was our seventh year hosting the event to bring people ... Read more

September 13, 2019September 25, 2019

3 Strategies for Enjoying Alcoholic Beverages with FA Challenges in Mind

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

My husband, Justin, and I have an annual tradition. Every summer, we go to our second-favorite city, Baltimore. We have been making this trip to “Charm City” for four ... Read more

September 6, 2019September 18, 2019

Accessibility Items Make the Best Birthday Gifts for Those with Disabilities

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

I celebrated my birthday Aug. 24. I wrote in my recent column about the importance of looking forward with a positive attitude despite my diagnosis of Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). ... Read more

August 30, 2019September 11, 2019

Navigating Social Situations with a Chronic Illness

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

My birthday was last weekend. I was so excited when my best friend, Lizz, and her bridesmaids decided to host Lizz’s bachelorette party that weekend. What better way to ... Read more

August 23, 2019September 11, 2019

Along with Celebrating My Birthday, I’m Also Planning for My Future

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

August is coming to an end. This is always my favorite time of year because my birthday rapidly approaches. To me, fall indicates a fresh start and signals new ... Read more

August 16, 2019August 13, 2019

Fatigue Is One of the Most Difficult Symptoms I Deal With

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) patients face multiple symptoms that can help confirm a diagnosis. The five most common symptoms are difficulty walking, sensory changes (such as hearing loss, involuntary eye ... Read more

August 9, 2019September 11, 2019

I Found My Happy Place with a Surf Chair by the Ocean

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

There is nothing better than the feeling of the ocean air in my hair while I bask in the hot summer sun on a beautiful beach. I’ve just described ... Read more

August 2, 2019August 28, 2019

A Plan for Parenthood: 4 Things We Considered

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

It is hard to believe that July has come and gone, and that the summer season is officially coming to an end. In addition, my birthday month, August, has ... Read more

July 26, 2019August 28, 2019

4 Solutions to Beat the Heat with FA Symptoms in Mind

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

Summertime is all about enjoying the outdoors with warm weather on your skin. The season is full of barbecues, family picnics, festivals, and more, with the people you enjoy ... Read more

July 19, 2019August 26, 2019

4 Physical Therapy Strategies That Help Me

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

Since receiving my diagnosis of Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) back in 2011, I have attended two series of physical therapy sessions. I was an outpatient at the local University of ... Read more

July 12, 2019August 12, 2019

Thank You, Trader Joe’s, for the Small Act of Kindness

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

As I mentioned in my previous column, my husband, Justin, and I like to complete our weekly chore of grocery shopping early in the morning. The two main reasons ... Read more

June 28, 2019August 8, 2019

My Parking Placard Is an Essential Tool in My Everyday Life

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

When a person lives with a chronic illness, such as Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), they will do anything to find shortcuts and ways to make life’s daily activities easier. Taking ... Read more

June 21, 2019August 7, 2019

A Tribute to My Dad for Father’s Day

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

Last Sunday was Father’s Day. One dedicated day to honor each of our parents is not enough in my view. Parents are often role models who are always there ... Read more

June 14, 2019August 2, 2019

As a Person with a Disability, Ali Stroker’s Tony Award Win Inspired Me

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

On June 9, 2019, history was made on live broadcast television for the disability community. Ali Stroker became the first wheelchair user to win a Tony Award, receiving the ... Read more

June 7, 2019August 5, 2019

A Medication Dosage Adjustment Has Helped to Relieve My Restless Legs

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

Lately, I have experienced a worsening of one of my most daunting symptoms of Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). I have numbness and pain in my arms and legs, which causes ... Read more

May 31, 2019May 29, 2019

Visiting a Historic Farmhouse for a Good Cause

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

I am originally from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, about 25 miles outside of Philadelphia. This beautiful area combines countryside with villages and downtown charms. It is rich in history, art, ... Read more

May 17, 2019May 16, 2019

Rain Won’t Stop Us from Curing FA!

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

After months of planning and executing, my family’s grassroots event, the 7th Annual Mother’s Day 5K Race for Christina, took place last Sunday, May 12. Two months ago, I ... Read more

May 10, 2019May 8, 2019

On Being a Bridesmaid for a Day

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

I remember feeling overjoyed and honored a year ago after I received a package in the mail. It was a small box containing beautiful gold-knot post earrings and a ... Read more

May 3, 2019May 1, 2019

Thanks to Planning and Support, My College Alumni Weekend Was a Success

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

This past weekend, I stepped back in time and visited my alma mater, Johnson & Wales University. I made the trip to attend the Providence Alumni Reunion Weekend with ... Read more

April 26, 2019June 28, 2019

It’s OK to Accept Help When You Need It

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

Living in a major city like Philadelphia, my go-to mode of transportation is the subway or the bus. My husband, Justin, has a car he parks close to our ... Read more

April 12, 2019June 21, 2019

Celebrate Your Victories, No Matter How Small

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

When living with Friedreich’s ataxia, one learns to accept “what is” and to celebrate small victories. For example, I have recently discovered that cleaning and tidying up around my one-bedroom ... Read more

April 5, 2019June 21, 2019

Thankful to Get Expert FA Care for My Checkup

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

I had my annual Friedreich’s ataxia checkup last week at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, which hosts a Friedreich’s Ataxia Center of Excellence for patients and their families. I’m very fortunate ... Read more

March 29, 2019May 15, 2019

Accepting Wheelchair Use for a Comfortable Day at the Museum

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

When my sister, brother, and I were younger, our parents would take us on trips to various museums. These memorable times included day trips to the art or science ... Read more

March 22, 2019April 18, 2019

Mom’s Care and a Little Planning Made for a Fun St. Paddy’s Eve

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

This past weekend was St. Patrick’s Day. Almost every bar, restaurant, and establishment had various specials going on all weekend since the holiday fell on a Sunday. The venue ... Read more

March 15, 2019April 5, 2019

How I Stay Active in Each Season of the Year

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

Daylight saving time happened last weekend, and the changing of the clocks heralded in longer days and warmer weather. I am eagerly anticipating the first day of spring on ... Read more

March 8, 2019March 22, 2019

How to Plan a Grassroots FA Event

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

Rare Disease Day was observed on Feb. 28. However, we don’t have to limit our advocacy to a single day. Every day is an opportunity to use our voices ... Read more

March 1, 2019March 13, 2019

Alone We Are Rare, but Together We Are Strong

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

People around the world observed Rare Disease Day on Thursday, which gives patients, caregivers, and advocates the opportunity to share their experiences and raise awareness of the more than 7,000 known ... Read more

February 22, 2019March 12, 2019

Managing Fatigue in the Workplace

A Practical Guide to Life with FA - a Column by Christina Cordaro, Columns

In a given week, a full-time employee can work five days and 40 hours or more. With all of these hours, it can feel as though a workplace has ... Read more