Our Involvement
For many years we have been strong supporters of the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance and The University of South Florida Parkinson’s Disease and Balance Center. The Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) is dedicated to the pursuit of scientific research leading to treatments and a cure for Friedreich’s ataxia. Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a debilitating, life-shortening, degenerative, neuro-muscular disorder. About one in 50,000 people in the United States has FA. It is estimated there are 4,000 individuals affected with FA in the U.S., and 15,000 affected individuals worldwide. Most individuals have onset of symptoms of FA between the ages of 5 and 18 years. The signs and symptoms of FA are: loss of coordination in the arms and legs, fatigue, vision impairment, hearing loss, slurred speech, aggressive scoliosis, diabetes, and serious heart conditions, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias. The progressive loss of coordination and muscle strength leads eventually to the full-time use of a wheelchair.
FARA has a strong presence in Tampa Bay. The FARA Energy Ball is their premier fundraising event, which takes place in Tampa each Fall. A Scientific Symposium, organized by the University of South Florida, precedes the Energy Ball, bringing together scientists to discuss the latest advances in Friedreich’s ataxia research.
The Pull For The Cure is a fundraising event that takes place in the Spring at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays. The event brings together expert shooters, amateur shooters, and non-shooters for an afternoon of shooting and an open air dinner.
If you are interested in participating in these events, making a donation to FARA, or simply learning more about FA, contact FARA at (484) 879-6160 or info@curefa.org.
The University of South Florida Parkinson’s Disease and Balance Center is located in Tampa. It offers treatment for Parkinson’s disease, and atypical parkinsonisms, such as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, and Multiple System Atrophy. It also treats patients with Essential Tremor, Ataxia, and Dystonia. The Center offers experimental clinical trials and treatment options including: physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, exercise therapy, and nutritional therapy. The Center collaborates closely with the neurosurgical service in treating patients who require deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease and Tremor.
You can support the Center by contributing to the Frances Zesiewicz Memorial Fund in Parkinson’s Disease. Fund#250338. Click here to donate: https://usf.to/z-parkinsons
