Devran Sürmelioğlu Name: Devran Sürmelioğlu

Age: 25

Where do you call home? Turkey, Hatay

Education: I am a primary school graduate, did not continue.

Who do you live with? My Family - my mom, dad and little brother :)

What's a typical day for you? I literally listen to different music every day and play games on the phone to pass the time.

How long have you known you are living with FA? It's been 15 years. I was in the hospital every day, it was really hard, I saw 6 -7 doctors on the same day for diagnosis.

Are there any others with FA in your family? In the FA family, my younger brother is 12 years old now.

Describe your transition from walking to walker/wheelchair. 5 years ago, I was getting ready to go to physical therapy and while going down the stairs I fell and I fell hard. I couldn’t endure standing for long, after a period I cracked when a normal wheelchair was donated to me. Three years ago, a power wheelchair was donated to me.

What do you like to do to stay active and what type of exercises work for you to stay strong? I listen to music the most, I relax a lot, it's just music :)

Do you have any hobbies or special interests? My hobby is listening to music and tinkering. I'm very good at it. I can fix a phone/tablet, I can handle it whenever there is a problem :)

What is a good trick to make daily life easier? Turn on your music and browse while listening to music, it's very enjoyable.

When FA gets you down, what do you think/do to feel better? I try not to think about it when I’m sad.

What is one way living with FA has POSITIVELY affected your life? Being able to avoid stress.

What is a favorite motivational quote of yours? Watching movies is very enjoyable, leaving our focus momentarily.

What piece of advice that someone with FA has given you that encourages and inspires you? I have a friend who has a FA. We try to smile no matter what and stay positive.

What is the best advice YOU could give to a person who has been newly diagnosed with FA? Listening to music, watching movies… Letting yourself get distracted by whatever.

What is the first thing you want to do when a cure/treatment to FA is found? Play Football, and go running, or just walking.

"I have FA but FA doesn't have me." What does this statement mean to you? I may have FA and I can't fulfill some of my wishes, but I can sometimes fulfill my most difficult requests even though FA is an obstacle.

Tell us a little more about you... I'm 25 years old, and as I said, the FA doesn't interfere.


Interviewed by:
FARA Ambassador Brittany Sommerfield