Christina Cordaro

Today, June 27th at 4 pm EST, LEXEO Therapeutics and Weill-Cornell Medical College will be giving a webinar on Gene Therapy for the Heart in FA. This webinar will provide information on investigational gene therapy for the treatment of the cardiac manifestations of FA, including details on two clinical trials.

Do you like attending these virtual…[Read more]

Because Friedreich’s Ataxia is such a rare disease, it is important to find a designated team of healthcare professionals to monitor your FA diagnosis. This group can include a neurologist, cardiologist, orthopedist and endocrinologist. The group may also include genetic counselor, physical therapist and occupational therapist.

To address my FA…[Read more]

As most of us experience and know, fatigue is a major symptom of Friedreich’s ataxia. Getting sufficient sleep and rest is important when living with a chronic illness such as FA.

What brand mattress do you recommend for someone with FA who is dependent on others and/or has severe curvature of the spine?

Do you have any recommendations for…[Read more]

People living with a disability have difficulty performing activities of daily living independently or even with assistance.

Throughout the past few years, I found that I need to use a variety of assistive devices for safety reasons. For example, my main assistive device is a rollator. I feel it is easier to maneuver when I am focusing on my…[Read more]

Reata Pharmaceuticals announces FDA filing acceptance and priority review designation for the New Drug Application (NDA) for Omaveloxolone.

Priority review means that the FDA has 6 months to review vs. the standard 10 months giving an action date of November 30th, 2022. Then, the FDA has to communicate whether it accepts, rejects, or needs more…[Read more]

A common symptom of Friedreich’s Ataxia can be neuropathy in the hands and feet. Neuropathy can cause the hands and feet to turn purple due to pain, tingling, and sensitivity in the nerves.

This always happens to me when the weather is cold because I lose feeling and sensation in both. However, I’ve noticed this occurring in the warmer months…[Read more]

The warmer months are finally here! Some days have made it feel like summer has made its return.

What are some summertime activities that you like participating in? What accommodations do you make so the activities aren’t impeded by your Friedreich’s ataxia?

I ride a recumbent trike which is low to the ground to help with balance and sta…[Read more]

It always seems like a difficult situation when I describe exactly what FA is when other people ask me. I feel like there are many complex answers that can go into further detail. Over the years, my go-to response is simple– I have a neuromuscular disorder where my speech, balance, and walking are affected over time.

How would you describe FA to…[Read more]

On Sunday this week is Mother’s Day, which is also my family’s annual 5K Race for Christina. After the ongoing pandemic of two years, this will mark the 8th year of having the event.

In a past column, I wrote the necessary steps to take while planning an event. Even after time passed, the information was still relevant and resourceful to help…[Read more]