Media Advisory - The Walk to Fight Friedreich's Ataxia (FA) is coming to the
GTA

    
    Hundreds will be gathering on September 26th in Whitby to help build
    awareness of FA and to raise funds for FA research
    

WHITBY, ON, Sept. 22 /CNW/ -

    
    What:  The Walk to Fight Friedreich's Ataxia (FA)

    Why:   To raise funds for research on FA and to raise public awareness of
           FA in Ontario. The event is associated with the Canadian
           Association of Familial Ataxia.

    When:  Saturday, September 26, 2009
           10:00am - 12:00pm

    Where: Heydenshore Park, Whitby, Ontario
           Map link: http://tinyurl.com/paq4vn

    Who:   Special guests will include: Dr. Teesta Soman, Sick Kids Hospital;
           Dr. Mark Tarnopolsky, McMaster University Medical Centre; Pat
           Perkins, Mayor of Whitby. And hundreds of participants and
           volunteers!

    Pledge forms are available at:
    www.thewalktofightfa.com/documents/donation%20and%20shirt%20request.pdf

    Facebook group name: The Walk to Fight Friedreich's Ataxia (FA)

    About Friedreich's Ataxia (FA)
    ------------------------------
    

FA is the most frequent hereditary ataxia, with an estimated prevalence of 3-4 cases per 100,000 individuals. It is a rare but severe neurodegenerative disease characterized by spinocerebellar degeneration. This often fatal, hereditary degenerative neurological disease, primarily affects balance, coordination and speech. It can also lead to severe scoliosis, heart disease and diabetes. Once diagnosed, most patients find themselves confined to a wheelchair within 10 years. At the moment there is no treatment that can stop or cure FA. However some drugs intended to counteract the effects of this disease are presently on trial.

For further information: email [email protected] or contact Josh Mills at [phone]. Website: www.thewalktofightfa.com