Best of luck to Ava Corcoran from, Ballybrittas who is braving taking part in the Jump from the Sky, for AFI 2019 event on 15th June. Ava is doing the skydive on behalf of her cousin Maura to raise money for Ataxia Foundation Ireland. Maura was diagnosed with Friedreich's Ataxia when she was 12. Ava contacted us looking for support. Rosie replied to Ava...
"Myself and Jimmy are very happy to provide €500.00 toward your sky dive - well done, you are all very brave!! We are sorry Maura has been diagnosed with what I’m sure is a difficult condition, and hope our contribution goes in some way to help with the support needed for this very worthy cause. I had never heard of this condition and, thanks to caring people like you Ava it helps to bring awareness about what this conditions is, and the lack of support for these difficulties that life throws up! We wish Maura all the very best and hope she is doing well! Best of luck to you Ava with the sky dive, enjoy I’m sure it will be a fantastic experience!
About AFI
Ataxia Foundation Ireland (CLG) a Company Limited by Guarantee. This New Voluntary National Support Group is for people affected by Friedreich's Ataxia (the most common Genetic Ataxia) and up to 50 other Ataxia's. The organisation was founded by four people with Ataxia, to form the board of directors and trustees and have recently increased the board to seven, five with an Ataxia and two non-disabled people and have established a Management Committee made up of members and volunteers, most of who have supported people with Ataxia for many years.
What is Friedreichs Ataxia?
Friedreichs Ataxia is a genetic and progressive disorder of the central nervous system which usually manifests itself in children between the ages of six and sixteen years. However, in some instances the onset for Friedreichs and other Genetic Ataxia’s can be much later. Because of the genetic factor more than one person in a family may be affected. The general symptoms are clumsiness, difficulties with balance, lack of co-ordination and, in time, a slurring of speech. Although there is no specific treatment for any of the known Ataxia’s, fundamental research into its pathogenesis is ongoing worldwide, and there are, in any case, various ways in which the burden on sufferers and their relatives can be lightened.
Ataxia Foundation Ireland - website
