June 6, 2015, I was diagnosed with Friedreichs Ataxia at the age of 22; Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a debilitating, life-shortening, degenerative neuro-muscular disorder. About one in 50,000 people in the United States have Friedreich's ataxia. It affects speech and all motor skills and usually results in using a wheelchair or assisting walking devices. Unfortunately, there is not a cure for FA, YET but there are amazing doctors and scientists trying to find a cure as you read this.

I started noticing signs of instability in my sophomore year of college. Walking upstairs became difficult without using a railing or someone to lean on, knees were not bending when they were supposed to, constant dizziness and walking for long periods of time became extremely tiring. As time went on, I could feel all of these things were becoming more and more difficult. Finally, it got to the point where I had to lean on someone to walk short distances, I could not stand straight and I was so dizzy I felt like I was on a boat 95% of my day. I could feel that something was terribly wrong with my body so thats when my mom and I went to a neurologist and for the first time we heard the word "ataxia." Shortly after this visit, I met with two specialists via Kaiser Permanente Neurology Department and that is where I participated in a genetic blood test confirming I had inherited Friedreich’s ataxia.

Like anyone who receives a diagnosis, I was extremely emotional and depressed. This lasted for only about a week and after hours and hours of research and crying and feeling sorry for myself, I decided that this diagnosis is a blessing in disguise. I now have the best outlook on life and appreciate all my experiences and look forward to living my life to the fullest. My wonderful supporting mother has been by my side the whole way. From coming to all my doctors appointments, helping me research and constant love and support, she has made this all manageable.

I made this GoFundMe page to raise money for my treatments, for The Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) which is a national, public, 501(c)(3), non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to the pursuit of scientific research leading to treatments and a cure for Friedreich’s ataxia and to ultimately RAISE AWARENESS. Like many many people, I had never even heard the word ataxia before so I want people to know it exists and it affects a lot more people than you think. There are many different classifications of ataxia and Friedreichs ataxia is just ONE type.

Since every patient is different, set treatment for FA but you can PROLONG the brain disease from overtaking your body and improve symptoms. My mother and I have established  a treatment plan for me and it seems to be working for me

**********(Also, this is my treatment plan,  for my body. I am not saying these will work for you,  this is just a description of what I am doing to feel better)***********


Here is my life as of July 24,2015:

-I can walk by myself (no leaning!)

-I work as a bookkeeper/office manager of a law firm(9am-5)

-Chiropractic adjustments 4x a week

-Physical therapy 

-Vitamin regiment (about 12-15 a day)

-Gym/ weightlifting 3x a week

-Extremely strict diet (100% Paleo)

As you can see, this is quite a new life to adjust to so I am asking for your help to contribute to my treatments and helping find a cure. Please give whatever you can weather its $1 or $5 and share this as much as possible so we can win this fight!

To all my friends and family who I've already told, I just want to thank all of you for your unconditional love and support throughout this journey. The phone calls, text messages and words I have received mean the world to me and I probably wouldn’t have this positive mind-set if it wasn’t for all of you.

NOW: DONATE, SHARE AND LETS KICK FA'S ASS!

Please visit this site for more information on FA