Welcome to Families For Friedreich's Ataxia!

Friedreich’s Ataxia is a rare life-shortening, genetic, neuromuscular disease that causes progressive damage to the nervous system. This damage is caused by mutations in the FXN gene leading to limited production of frataxin, a protein essential for cellular energy production. This leads to cellular damage, especially the cardiac muscle and nerve cells. It typically presents as difficulty with balance and loss of coordination. Other common symptoms can include serious heart conditions, fatigue, scoliosis, dysarthria (slowness and slurring of speech), hearing and vision loss, and diabetes.  

Families For Friedreich's Ataxia Foundation was founded in the spring of 2024 to support, empower, and advocate for individuals and families living with Friedreich's Ataxia by providing financial assistance and bringing awareness to FA.

 We walk alongside individuals and families throughout their FA journey, providing hope, support, and peace while striving to improve safety, promote independence, and advance understanding of this challenging disease.