Expenses for Alena Wolfson’s Funeral

On July 14, 2023, my niece Alena Wolfson unexpectedly passed away at the age of 26 due to complications from Friedreich’s ataxia, which resulted in heart failure. Friedreich’s ataxia - or FA - is a progressive neuromuscular disease that has no cure. Alena spent 15 days in the hospital before going into AFIB and finally moving to Ryan House hospice for her last few days. This has devastated my brother and sister-in-law; no parent should have to bury their child. I am setting up this GoFundMe to help them with burial and funeral expenses.

Alena was diagnosed with FA when she was 9 years old and her symptoms were mild. Over time, she lost her ability to walk and eventually became unable to use her legs at all. Afterwards, her hearing and vision become impaired due to the FA, developed swallowing issues, went into heart failure, and finally she lost the ability to speak. In the 17 years she lived with Friedreich’s ataxia, Alena did her best to maintain as normal as a life as she could, even traveling to Israel with only her best friend! Alena was beautiful, bright and loved her family. She was about halfway through her Master’s program at ASU, working towards a degree in Psychology. She tried her best not to let the FA control her life and put all of her energy into school at the end. She was a huge Doctor Who fan, loved her dogs, loved shopping and just about anything any 26 year old girl would love.

Alena always thought of others before herself; she learned early on the importance of volunteerism, and loved giving back to organizations that did things for her when she was younger, such as Make-A-Wish and HopeKids. Once she turned 18, she began volunteering for these organizations.

Alena is missed very much by all of us and losing her has impacted so many people that had gotten the privilege to know her in any capacity. She was always smiling and her smile lit up a room.

Any amount you can donate will be greatly appreciated. Please share this with family and friends to help us reach our goal. Thank you.