Hello, my name is Elvis. I'm a personal trainer, a university student, and a FARA ambassador hailing from Sydney, Australia.
I was first diagnosed with FA back in October 2019 (I was 26) when it was confirmed with a genetic test but was given the general diagnosis of Ataxia in November of 2017.
Growing up, I had always felt different from the other kids. I was a bit clumsy and uncoordinated, but still a cheerful guy. I always took comments about my symptoms in my stride; until they started to become more pronounced and noticeable, and walking around had started to become increasingly difficult.
I had just started university when I was diagnosed, so the stress was amounting, but over the years and a few setbacks, I wouldn't let that phase me. I had been a personal trainer for three years at that point, so I got to work, changed my exercise routine, eating habits, and read as much as I could. It was through this I had learned my cousin suffered from FA. I had been told I wasn't likely to have it, as I don't carry many of the common symptoms. After a year wait, I got my test approved, and I was ready to find out what was happening.
My cousin had passed away before I had a chance to find out and tell him. In March, I took the test, and six months later, I knew what I had. Loud and clear. Friedreich's Ataxia, what I had feared the most.
Fast-forward four months, and my outlook has taken a complete U-turn (U-ie for my fellow Aussies). I wear my diagnosis on my sleeve; spreading information about it, supporting FARA and other organizations doing good work and showing the world that there's no limit if you put your mind to it.
Archived in
2021 (66)