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Development of a potential therapy for Friedreich ataxia

On December 3, 2011, at 11 a.m. (Eastern time), Pr. Jacques P. Tremblay will hold a web conference about his research project “Development of a potential therapy for Friedreich ataxia based on transduction of the frataxin protein in the mitochondria ”. The conference will be given in English only. Please contact CAFA office for more information. ataxie@lacaf.org

1st Annual Walk to Fight Familial Ataxias

CAFA West will be hosting the 1st Annual Walk to Fight Familial Ataxias on Saturday, September 24th, 2011 at Garry Point park, (7th Ave & Chatham St) in Richmond, BC. The event will be taking place between 10am and 1pm.

The purpose of the Walk to Fight Familial Ataxias is to raise money to help find a cure for Familial Ataxias and for building awareness in the region of CAFA West (BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan).

There will be refreshments, prizes, and the mayor of Richmond, Malcolm Brodie will be opening the walk.

Donate online and also let us know what size of t-shirt all participants will need at http://thewalktofightfa.co​m/. Then we will have the right size to give you when you arrive. CAFA (Canadian Association for Familial Ataxias), will provide a tax receipt for contributions over $20.

Together we can make a difference!

The Hindsight Years - English Completed!

The final episodes are now completed, in English! This month, October, we will be recording narration into 9 other languages. To view the English version, or follow the progress of other languages, go to The Hindsight Years website!

CAFA is launching a major research project

Development of a potential therapy for Friedreich ataxia based on transduction of the frataxin protein in the mitochondria

Friedreich ataxia is caused by a mutation of the frataxin gene.  This mutation triggers a decrease in the production of frataxin in all the patient’s cells.  Frataxin plays an important role in the metabolism of iron at the mitochondrial level and its reduction brings about the death of many cells in the brain, heart, muscles and pancreas.  This cell death is responsible for the many symptoms of the illness. Read more...

[August 24, 2010] - INTERACTIVE TELEPHONE CONFERENCE: Psychological problems and ataxias.
You are all invited to participate in an interactive telephone conference on the psychological problems caused by ataxias, given by Ms Thérèse Botez-Marquard, M. Sc. neuropsychologist. This interactive telephone conference, organized by the ACAF, will take place on Saturday the 16th or Sunday the 17th of October, around 10 AM, Montreal-time. The conference will be presented in French and English, and participants will be able to communicate in the language of their choice.
Reservations are necessary in order to set the date for the conference and provide each participant with the telephone number and access code to dial.
Confirm your participation in this interactive telephone conference by calling the CAFA office at 514-321-8684, or by e-mailing ataxie@lacaf.org. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
This conference is made possible by the support of Santhera Pharmaceuticals.

CAFA West will have an information booth at the Rehab Expo this year in order to raise awareness of Ataxia and raise funds for Ataxia research. CAFA West shirts will be available for purchase. Our booth will be sponsored by Santhera Pharmaceuticals. Please help with your support of CAFA.

Free parking, and $2 admission, the Expo takes place Tuesday, September 14.

Rehab Expo 2010
Seaforth Armouries, 1650 Burrard St, Vancouver ,BC
September 14, 2010 – 8:00am – 4:00pm

The purpose of Rehab Equipment Expo is to give clinicians and consumers in the community and health facilities access to information needed to make educated decisions regarding the purchase of assistive technology.

It is also an excellent opportunity to discover support groups who provide services to disabled individuals. Many people use the event as an opportunity to network and get back in touch with professional colleagues. The event draws over four hundred clinicians and three hundred staff members from the seventy exhibitors. There will also be representation from all the major funding sources and consumers are welcome to attend.

The Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance Announces the 2010 Ataxian Athlete Initiative

March 10, 2010- Part of the mission of Ride Ataxia is to "EMPOWER Ataxians by inspiring, motivating and providing opportunities to develop physical and mental strength." Through the 2010 Ataxian Athlete Initiative, Ride Ataxia will fund the purchase of adaptive cycling equipment for aspiring Ataxian Athletes so they may start their personal Ride Ataxia Adventure.

The Ataxian Athlete Initiative (AAI) is brought to you by Ride Ataxia, a FARA Program. The 2010 AAI is funded by a Quality of Life grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. The funding from the Reeve Foundation will allow the AAI to provide multiple awards in 2010.

All applications will go through a formal review and selection process. The applications will be reviewed by a panel of Disabled Athletes, Ataxians, and other representatives of the ataxia community. To find out more and for application instructions go to: Ataxian Athlete Initiative 2010.