FRIEDREICH ATAXIA

Friedreich Ataxia (FA) is a debilitating, life shortening degenerative neuromuscular disorder, which affects about 1 in 30,000 people. It is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 5 and 18 years and robs children and young adults of their mobility.

FA leads to a loss of muscle coordination, fatigue, vision impairment, hearing loss and slurred speech, scoliosis (curvature of the spine), diabetes and serious heart conditions. It is caused by an inherited genetic mutation that limits the production of a protein called frataxin. 1 in 90 people are carriers and don’t even know it until it affects their family.

Although there has been significant progress towards treatments, today there is no cure.

THANKFULLY THERE’S HOPE

FA research associations around the world have invested millions of dollars in scientific research.

Money raised from Lend Us Some Muscle™ Global Challenge 2023 will help fund future research and clinical trials. We are confident we are close to finding an effective treatment, which could slow the rate of progress of this debilitating condition and before long cure FA.

fara Australia, FARA US, FARA New Zealand and Ataxia Canada are not-for-profit organisations that support research into treatments and a cure for Friedreich Ataxia and are the charity partners of Lend Us Some Muscle™ Global Challenge 2023.