Name: Fatbardha Nuzi
Age: 33
Where do you call home? Albania
Education: I have a bachelor degree as an elementary school teacher and masters degree in Management and Supervision of Education Institutions.
Who do you live with? I live with my family.
What's a typical day for you? I usually get up at 07:00 on weekdays and it alternates between work and workout. On weekends I plan something different with my family, friends or my relatives.
How long have you known you are living with FA? My balance symptoms started at 22-23 years old, but I didn’t discover I had FA until 2014 at 26 years old. In 2017 I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy too and since then I take heart medications.
Are there others in your family with FA? No.
Describe an adaptation and/or transition you have had to take due to living with FA. I still can walk independently for a short distance, so inside the house I don’t use any mobility equipment, but I hold onto a wall or furniture. When I go outside I use a walker or crutches.
What do you like to do to stay active and what type of exercises work for you to stay strong? Every movement counts for me. I like exercising, stretching, jogging and walking in nature.
Do you have any hobbies or special interests? Reading, watching movies, listening to good music and walking in nature are my hobbies.
What is a good trick to make daily life easier? Do whatever you can, but keep yourself busy, especially your mind. This is a good trick for me.
When FA gets you down, what do you think/do to feel better? Depends how down I am feeling in those moments. Sometimes listening to music works, sometimes going out, meeting other people, walking in nature or at last crying.
What is one way living with FA has POSITIVELY affected your life? Living with FA has taught me to be patient and value the things/people who surround me more.
What is a favorite motivational quote of yours? Life is 10% what’s happened to you, and 90% how you react!
What piece of advice that someone with FA has given you that encourages and inspires you? “Keep going, keep pushing, you can do it.”
What is the best advice YOU could give to a person who has been newly diagnosed with FA? Believe in yourself and move on. You are stronger than you think. Accepting help when it’s needed it’s ok.
What is the first thing you want to do when a cure/treatment to FA is found? When a cure to FA is found, the first thing I will do is get the cure. Secondly I will do all the things that FA didn’t allow me to do.
"I have FA but FA doesn't have me." What does this statement mean to you? How do you live your life in the face of adversity? I am more than FA. FA can take my ability to walk, but can’t take my ability to dream and feel.
Tell us a little more about you… I’m always trying to build my one discipline. Family is my biggest life motivation. My profession and work makes me feel completed and physical activity makes my body feel better...
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