Sam Bridgman 2After being diagnosed with FA at the age of 15, I had two choices. I could choose to curl up into a little ball and let FA take over, or I could choose to live my life to the fullest each and every day! With the support of my family and friends, we rose united and were not willing to let FA determine our future. In spite of FA, I chose to Keep Moving Forward with the mentality that Impossible Is Nothing. I earned my MBA and my Masters in Sport and Entertainment Management and currently work for NHL Seattle. I am 27 years old. 

I grew up in Seattle, WA and am a passionate Seahawks fan. During the Seahawks' historic run to Super Bowl 48 in 2013, Russell Wilson repeatedly told his team, “Why Not Us? Why can’t we go to the Super Bowl and why can’t we be the best team in the NFL?” Similarly, I want to be the best I can be, regardless of the roadblocks that stand in my way. Like Russell Wilson, I say, “Why Not Me?"

Sam Bridgman 3I try to eat well, sleep well, and keep my body moving on a daily basis. This is my way of moving forward each and every day. Once a week, I workout on the alter gravity treadmill, go on a walk (it’s actually a push), get in the gym, and ride my handcycle that I got from the Challenged Athletes Foundation. I’m fortunate to have had key people pour into me and push me to Keep Moving Forward. My family, friends, and professors have all played a key role in my success, and I look forward to having the FA community in my corner.

Muhammed Ali said it first, and I believe in the words. “Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”

However, I am not the only person who has faced the impossible, as there are 15,000 people worldwide living with FA. For some of us, taking a shower independently is near impossible. For others, walking across the room is not an easy task.

What does it mean to me to be a FARA Ambassador? Being a FARA Ambassador makes me feel closer to the FA community and allows me to connect with FAmily's who have recently been diagnosed. 

Ultimately, FARA's mission is to find a treatment and cure for FA and the FARA Ambassadors are committed to supporting this mission. Together we will cure FA.

 

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