This year Christmas TraveLeague is delighted to be supporting the Friedreich Ataxia Research Association (FARA) as the official charity for this year’s event. FARA is a not for profit organization dedicated to the pursuit of scientific research leading to treatments and a cure for Friedreich Ataxia (FA).

The disease usually presents in children between 5 and 10 but could be up to early twenties. The first symptoms of FA are usually difficulty with balance, poor coordination in either or both of the arms and legs, and thick or slurred speech.  It affects males and females equally.

As it progresses, FA causes complete incapacitation, vision, hearing and speech failure, combined with severe heart disease, scoliosis and diabetes. In later stages, patients usually suffer from cardiac failure in their late thirties. Intellect remains unimpaired. As FA causes a greatly reduced life expectancy, it is a race against time for all FA sufferers and their families. Currently there is no cure.

“We are delighted to be supporting such a worthy cause in FARA. This is such a debilitating disease, currently without a cure, and we are keen to assist in funding the treatment of this terrible disease” said Matthew

“We are aiming to raise at $8000 for FARA this year. Just a $10 donation from every person attending would enable us to reach our goal. So ‘bring your bluey’ on the day.” said Barry Huxley.
 
“And our website has a link through to FARA website for those interested in finding out more about this debilitating disease.” said Craig.

For contact information, visit the website or contact Craig Hunt (0419 108 660), Matthew Fleming
(0418 542 002) or Barry Huxley (0408 804 292).