New Year, Same Me. Just a Little Bit Better
Let the New Year’s resolutions and “fresh start” cliches pour in to overwhelm timelines and news feeds. Ringing in the new year has always been a favorite time of mine — the…
Fighting FA — Frankie Perazzola
Frankie lives with Friedreich’s ataxia in the city of Los Angeles, California. She writes about her life experiences as an independent 28-year-old woman dealing with rare neuromuscular disease. Frankie focuses on utilizing physical fitness and writing for Bionews as her main coping mechanisms for FA. Through her column, “Fighting FA,” she helps others with internal growth and self-acceptance.
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I’ve Found Protein Powder Helpful in Managing My Daily Diet
Protein is necessary for the human body to stay healthy and function properly, regardless of whether you work out or not. According to the American Council on Exercise,…
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What the Gratitude Relay Means to the FA Community
With more than 7,000 known rare diseases in the world, it’s impossible to have all humans acknowledge and learn about every single one. No matter how life-threatening, debilitating, or serious…
I Apologize for Going Dark
Do you ever experience times when being social in any form is out of the question? When engaging in online or in-person conversation is draining, or when the thought of going out…
Answering the Questions Friends Ask Most Often About My Friedreich’s Ataxia
Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve had some good conversations with FAers and others about life. I was asked similar questions in each conversation, so I figured those topics must cross…
10 Lessons I’ve Learned from Having FA
It’s funny how cliches about life have started to make sense to me. From my observations of other rare disease communities, I’ve learned that when we reach a certain level of acceptance…
Becoming Involved in the FA Community Was the Best Decision I’ve Made
Over the past few years, I have learned that Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) patients come to terms with their diagnoses in their own time. At first, I didn’t understand why some patients kept…
A Letter to My Endlessly Loving Mother
Dearest Mom, I wrote this a long time ago, but I wanted to wait for a random day to show my appreciation. Not your birthday, not Mother’s Day — “just because.” At…
In Case of Emergency, Don’t Have a Disability
It wasn’t until a fire alarm at my hotel this past weekend that I realized the complete disregard for people with special needs in emergency preparation. I hadn’t been in an evacuation…
How a Television Show Changed My Thought Process
I often have conversations with others about the mindset and positive outlook I attained while dealing with this illness. Although I realize this may be temporary and my attitude might change…
Birthdays Don’t Have the Same Meaning Anymore, Thanks to FA
Birthdays used to be so fun for me. Now, though, they are just reminders that this disease is taking over my physicality slowly. While I have a positive attitude most of…
It’s OK to Be Honest About Your Emotions
Last month was Mental Health Awareness Month, so I thought this might be a good time to discuss this issue head-on. Some days can be harder — way harder — than…
Going Through the Depression Tunnel with Friedreich’s
It’s been tough lately. Just when I thought there was a light at the end of my depression tunnel, it got dark again, and I found myself having to start over. Many…
