Andrew and Ashley's Story

Andrew and Ashley Morrison are the grandkids of Sheila Johnson who works in Accounting, and the niece and nephew of Ryan Johnson who works in Corporations. In January of this year Andrew and Ashley were diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia. 

Twelve year old Andrew is in the 7^th grade and just earned a 4.0 this last period of school. He loves to build robots and play video games. Ten year old Ashley likes to cook, draw, and also excels academically in her Elementary school. Both Andrew and Ashley like to swim and ride their special bikes. Other than having the disease they are just normal sweet children that have an unusual  heavy burden to deal with. Unfortunately both are exhibiting more physical symptoms of this disease as they get older. Some everyday tasks, like climbing stairs and walking from one class to another in school, are getting increasingly difficult for them. They manage to remain cheerful through it all and do the best they can. Our family is continually praying for a cure for this disease. Time is of the essence as each loss of function will most likely be permanent.   
 

Friedreich's ataxia is a rare disease passed down through families (inherited) that affects the muscles and heart. Symptoms are caused by the wearing away of structures in areas of the brain and spinal cord that control coordination, muscle movement, and some sensory functions. Symptoms generally begin in childhood before puberty, and may include:

·         Abnormal speech

·         Changes in vision, particularly color vision

·         Decrease in ability to feel vibrations in lower limbs

·         Foot problems, such as hammer toe and high arches

·         Hearing loss -- occurs in about 10% of patients

·         Jerky eye movements

·         Loss of coordination and balance, which leads to frequent falls

·         Muscle weakness

·         No reflexes in the legs

·         Unsteady gait and uncoordinated movements (ataxia) -- gets worse with time

Muscle problems lead to changes in the spine, which may result in scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis.
Heart disease usually develops and may lead to heart failure. Death may result from heart failure or dysrhythmias that do not respond to treatment. Diabetes may develop in later stages of the disease. 

Click here to find out more about the disease. Ashley and Andrew also have a fundraising Facebook page:
 http://www.facebook.com/morrisonfundraiser.

By Sheila Johnson

To help, you can donate to Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA).

How to donate to FARA : 

1.  At this time, donations to FARA must be by paper only - go to: http://www.usecf.state.ut.us/Docs/2013/Sept/PledgeandPayrolDeductionForm.pdf

2. print the form and complete the blanks:

Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance
533 W. Uwchlan Ave
Downingtown, PA 19335
USA

Phone:		(484) 879-6160
Fax:		(484) 872-1402
Email:		info@cureFA.org
Website:		www.cureFA.org

3. provide the form to your agency charitable fund representative.

Or you can donate to Muscular Dystrophy Foundation of Utah. 
Their code is: 2015.