5 Fast Facts About Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA)

1. 5 Fast Facts About Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) You may see your new classmate, Evan Luebbe , walking and think he looks wobbly or unsteady. He may even fall down because his legs give out on him occasionally. Evan was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia when he was 8 years old. We wanted to share some information about what it is and how you can help him as he makes his way around his new school. 1 4 Is a neuro-degenerative disorder Due to a certain protein in the body, called Frataxin ,not being produced enough, the nerves in in the body are not getting the right signals to them to function correctly. This causes balance and coordination problems, possible heart problems and other things. Is progressive Progressive means that the symptoms of FA may continue to get worse over time. Every person that has FA is different but sometimes they may need help getting around or carrying things. It’s the body, not the mind that is progressive. 3 Is close to a cure Scientists and researchers are doing incredible things to find a cure for FA. Across the world, many families hold fundraisers to raise money so research can go faster. You may even be invited to a fundraiser one day! FARA is the organization fighting for a cure! 5 Is Rare FA sometimes doesn’t show up until later in life but often people see signs of it when they are between 5 and 15 years old. It is a very rare disorder affecting only 1 in every 50,000 people. 2 Is not contagious There is no way a person can get FA from another person because it is “genetic” or passed down in a family when two parents are each a carrier. The cool thing is, Evan has a great sense of humor, loves sports and is a math whiz. He is also very proud and when he falls, he doesn’t like a lot of attention. You’ll start to know when he needs help or when he doesn’t and that’s what being a friend is all about. 5 Fast Facts About Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) You may see your new classmate, Evan Luebbe , walking and think he looks wobbly or unsteady. He may even fall down because his legs give out on him occasionally. Evan was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia when he was 8 years old. We wanted to share some information about what it is and how you can help him as he makes his way around his new school. 1 4 Is a neuro-degenerative disorder Due to a certain protein in the body, called Frataxin ,not being produced enough, the nerves in in the body are not getting the right signals to them to function correctly. This causes balance and coordination problems, possible heart problems and other things. Is progressive Progressive means that the symptoms of FA may continue to get worse over time. Every person that has FA is different but sometimes they may need help getting around or carrying things. It’s the body, not the mind that is progressive. 3 Is close to a cure Scientists and researchers are doing incredible things to find a cure for FA. Across the world, many families hold fundraisers to raise money so research can go faster. You may even be invited to a fundraiser one day! FARA is the organization fighting for a cure! 5 Is Rare FA sometimes doesn’t show up until later in life but often people see signs of it when they are between 5 and 15 years old. It is a very rare disorder affecting only 1 in every 50,000 people. 2 Is not contagious There is no way a person can get FA from another person because it is “genetic” or passed down in a family when two parents are each a carrier. The cool thing is, Evan has a great sense of humor, loves sports and is a math whiz. He is also very proud and when he falls, he doesn’t like a lot of attention. You’ll start to know when he needs help or when he doesn’t and that’s what being a friend is all about.

2. Ways you can help… anyone! Cool School Material Created by • You know the old “Golden Rule – Treat others like you would want to be treated.” Well, that’s the first important thing to remember. • Watch if you see someone that needs help – we all need that sometimes. • It’s ok to ask questions – that’s how we all learn about new things. • A smile always helps! • Join us for fundraising – the more the merrier. • Not many people have heard of Friedreich’s Ataxia – now you know about it and can tell someone else. P.O. Box 1537 Springfield, VA 22151 (703) 426-1576 www.cureFA.org Thanks for Listening! Ways you can help… anyone! Cool School Material Created by • You know the old “Golden Rule – Treat others like you would want to be treated.” Well, that’s the first important thing to remember. • Watch if you see someone that needs help – we all need that sometimes. • It’s ok to ask questions – that’s how we all learn about new things. • A smile always helps! • Join us for fundraising – the more the merrier. • Not many people have heard of Friedreich’s Ataxia – now you know about it and can tell someone else. P.O. Box 1537 Springfield, VA 22151 (703) 426-1576 www.cureFA.org Thanks for Listening!