Grassroots events, education help raise Friedreich’s ataxia awareness
Event will again feature FARA Flash Talks webinars
Fundraisers, webinars, and social media campaigns are set for next month to help bring attention on Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), and provide support to those living with the disease.
Leading those efforts is the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA), which is dedicated to raising funds and aligning efforts for research in FA, and to promoting public awareness for the rare disease.
“FA Awareness Month is our chance to amplify the important progress we’re making together. We have such an engaged and dynamic FA community that contributes to our mission to treat and cure FA in many different ways,” Felicia Derosa, FARA’s vice president of fundraising and communications said in an email to Friedreich’s Ataxia News. “We honor the month by hosting educational sessions, gathering for in-person grassroots events, sparking creative social media awareness campaigns, and sharing the importance and need for research funding. It truly takes a #CommunityToCureFA, and we warmly invite everyone to join us.”
Supporters are encouraged to participate in FARA’s #CommunityToCureFA campaign on social media and share photos that feature the slogan “Cure FA.” Writing on sidewalks using chalk, Scrabble tiles, or even ketchup helps spread awareness. Anyone submitting a photo by May 12 will be entered into a lottery to win FA swag and their picture will be posted on FARA social media to mark FA Awareness Day on May 17. The FARA online store offers T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, onesies, and more.
Flash Talks featuring FARA-funded research
In honor of FA Awareness Month, the alliance is again sponsoring the FARA Flash Talks webinar series, which this year features four presentations that cover research projects from FARA Graduate Research Fellowship recipients and FARA fellows. The first session will be May 7 and the second May 28.
To help FARA continue accelerating breakthroughs in FA research, supporters are encouraged to make a donation. “Considering a monthly gift? When you begin a monthly donation of $10 or more, you are joining a community invested in setting a path to treatments and cures for FA through research,” FARA states.
Some FA awareness events will include the BBQ Love Fest and Kentucky Derby Watch Party in Tampa, Florida on May 3, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Participants will have the chance to vote for their favorite local cooks while enjoying music, horse racing, and helping to raise funds to support nonprofits, including FARA.
On May 6 in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, participants can Raise a Glass to FARA from 5 to 9 p.m. Admission is $30 and includes a complimentary glass of wine and appetizers.
In California, FARA is sponsoring three rideATAXIA biking events on May 10 in Chico, May 17 in Avila Beach, and May 19 in Danville.
And in New Jersey, on FA Awareness Day, the Seaside Stride will kick off at 10 a.m with coffee and bagels, and a gift auction. A walk of nearly 3 miles is also planned, with participants able to choose any distance.
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