What is Friedreich's Ataxia?
FA is an inherited degenerative neuromuscular disease.  
It is typically diagnosed in children between the ages of 5
and 15.  Victims of this disease slowly lose their fine
motor skills as well as their balance and coordination.  
Usually these kids are wheelchair bound by their late
teens.  The disease also commonly affects the heart and
can cause diabetes and curvature of the spine.

Many people with this disease do not see their 30th
birthday.

Currently there is no treatment and no cure for victims of
this horrible disease.

However, there is hope on the horizon!  Great advances
have been made in medical research within just the last
few years.  Significant treatments which could reduce the
severity of the disease, and possibly even a cure could
be just around the corner!  
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You Can Help...
For every $5.00 donated to Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance you will receive one chance to win this quilt.  This
hand made lap quilt measures 39.5 x 50 inches.  It will be on display at Associated Sewing located on Division Street
in Waite Park, Minnesota. The drawing will be held on December 8, 2007 and the winner will be notified by mail.  
Donations may be made on line by clicking the FARA logo at the bottom of the page or the link near the top of the
page.  Please designate your gift for "FA Quilt Drawing".

Donations may also be mailed along with your name and address to:
Linda Lehn
1268 Connecticut Ave. S.
Sartell, MN 56377
FARA
PO Box 1424
Williamsville, NY 14231
or
Please make checks payable to Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance and indicate "FA Quilt Drawing" as
the memo.  To be eligible for the drawing you MUST include your name and address with your donation.  


Allison's Story...
Allison is a quiet 16 year old who loves children and animals.  
She lives in Peoria, Illinois with her parents and older sister.  In
August of 2000 Allison went to the doctor for a routine school
physical.  During the exam the doctor noticed something
irregular in Allison's heart sounds and ordered further tests.  In
September of that same year Allison was diagnosed with FA.  
She was 9 years old.  The news was devastating.  In the years
since her diagnosis, Allison has been coping with the slow
deterioration of her motor skills that comes with this disease.  In
2006 she had surgery to correct the curvature of her spine.  She
has just recently begun to use a power wheelchair.  Her
weakened heart muscle causes her to tire easily so she has to
take live at a slower pace than most kids her age.  

Allison is my niece.  This sort of thing is something that you
never expect to happen to you, or to your family.  When it does
happen to someone you love, it makes you keenly aware that no
one is immune and that the unexpected certainly can happen to
anyone.  Our family is so very thankful for each and every day
that we have to share with Alli.

I have made this quilt in honor of Allison's brave spirit in her
struggle with FA  and to give hope to her and other kids like her.
 
Quilt Drawing to Benefit Friedreich's Ataxia Research