My name is María Mercedes Sebastián , I’m 32 years old. I was born in Ecuador, but my parents and I are living in Madrid, Spain now. I studied administration and I also have an MBA, but actually I’m not working because working demands a lot of energy that unfortunately I don’t have at the moment.

I was diagnosed with FA in Madrid and everything was confirmed by genetic tests in 2008, so I’ve been living with FA for 13 years. I started using wheelchair when I was 25. I started to use it only in difficult situations, but as time went by I needed to use it permanently; I can’t imagine my life without my wheelchair.

My name is Cori, I‘m 35, and I live in the German part of Switzerland.

I was diagnosed when I was 16. My youngest brother had early symptoms, so they diagnosed him when he was 10. The doctors told to my parents it’s hereditary, so they tested my DNA too. I started to use a wheelchair 13 years ago. Twice a week I do physiotherapy, with home work-outs and Yoga too, I try to stay fit.

With the diagnosis of FA, my life changed a lot. I learned to accept and to enjoy life with ups and downs. With FA, life is not over. Any of us humans, have a backpack to carry; so keep carrying and smiling. I love traveling, surfing, cooking and yoga.

Hello, I am AJ Perez. I am 33 years old and from Austin, Texas.

I was diagnosed with FA just recently, last March to be exact. Although the diagnosis was recent, I have been living with the symptoms for about 10 years. During that time, it was a frustrating, annoying, doubtful time going to unaware doctors. It's not their fault it’s a rare genetic disease. It was so frustrating being told by Dr.'s test after test that I was fine, but knowing myself something was wrong, and having everyone else look at me as though I was drunk due to my speech, and lack of coordination. That is one of the known and common experiences that connect and bring us together. p>

Hello! My name is Libby Schwers and I am 23 years old. I live in Des Moines, Iowa and work as a graphic designer at a smaller agency.

I was diagnosed with FA when I was 22, but I've been experiencing symptoms of FA for about five years now. The diagnosis was a hard pill to swallow, but it has helped me to become the strong, courageous woman I am today.