This Year, I Am Thankful for Friedreich’s Ataxia
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 with other Friedreich’s ataxia (FA)…
Practical Guide to Life with FA — 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.
Featured Post
Podcast Series Promotes FA Advocacy
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 million people worldwide.
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The Time Was Right for My Own Wheelchair
“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 safety. But I believe it’s…
Podcast Sponsored by Reata Pharmaceuticals Focuses on Community Engagement
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 by Reata Pharmaceuticals. Ron…
Rediscovering My Passion for Baking
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 I love. I take satisfaction…
Bucket List Means More When Living with FA
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 times with my school musical…
Stay Involved in the FA Community Even When You Can’t Attend an Event
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 of their…
FA Events Give Us a Sense of Community and Belonging
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 that take place this month:…
How I Realized I Was Ready to Transition to the Next Assistive Device
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 as we waited anxiously for…
3 Reminders for Living with an Invisible Disease
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 chronic pain. Some…
Federal Lawsuit Targets Philadelphia’s Inaccessible Streets and Sidewalks
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 ramps in Philadelphia, and the…
Every Dollar Counts: Hosting a ‘Dine Back Night’ for FA
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 together to raise awareness…
3 Strategies for Enjoying Alcoholic Beverages with FA Challenges in Mind
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 years. We fell in love…
