National Project: FARA

_This year, the Maids of Athena have once again joined forces with the Sons of Pericles in support of our National Project, benefiting The Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA). FARA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the pursuit of scientific research leading to treatments and a cure for Friedreich's Ataxia (FA).

President's Project: Penelope House

Penelope House is a non-profit organization established in 1979 by the Daughters of Penelope to help victims of domestic violence regain social and economic independence. Services offered by Penelope House include advocacy, community education, counseling, on-site medical care, schools prevention education, transitional living, and victims’ support groups.


Learn more about FA

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Pictured right: Sons of Pericles & Maids of Athena National officers with Fara Co-Founder, Ron Bartek, in September 2012.
_What is FA?
Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a debilitating, life-shortening, degenerative neuro-muscular disorder. About one in 50,000 people in the United States have Friedreich's ataxia. FARA supports research that will improve the quality and length of life for those diagnosed with Friedreich's ataxia, and will lead to treatments that eliminate its symptoms.

What are the signs and symptoms?
  • Loss of coordination (ataxia) in the arms and legs
  • Fatigue-energy deprivation and muscle loss
  • Vision impairment, hearing loss, and slurred speech
  • Aggressive scoliosis (curvature of the spine)
  • Diabetes mellitus (insulin - dependent, in most cases)
  • Serious heart condition (enlarged heart - hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
_What causes FA?
FA is a genetic disorder. Those affected have gene mutations that limit the production of a protein called frataxin, a vital mitochondrial protein that helps to move iron and is involved with the formation of iron-sulfur clusters, necessary components in energy production.

Is FA treatable?
There are currently no treatments for FA, though patients are monitored for symptom management. FARA is funding research to find a cure. As a result of great advancements to understand the cause of the disease, new treatments are now emerging. These treatments address the causes of FA, such as gene mutation, frataxin production, iron sulfur clusters, and mitochondrial function. A full listing of treatment initiatives can be viewed in FARA’s treatment pipeline. Several of these treatments will be in clinical trials which require patient participation.

Join our efforts, help now

_This year, the Maids of Athena have organized the following fundraisers in support of FARA:

50/50 Raffle Tickets
Do your part - sell 50/50 Tickets to raise funds for FARA and pass out brochures to raise awareness about this disorder and organizations like FARA, designed to help.
FA Awareness Day Bake Sale
FA Awareness Day is on May 19th, 2013.  Plan to host a Bake Sale using our top-secret 'Funfetti for FARA' cupcake recipe. 

Get your copy of our top-secret cupcake recipe here.