This past weekend, IT colleagues Mary Hallett-Brown and Dave Ghidiu traveled to Philadelphia for Ride Ataxia Philly 2011. The ride was a great success with 500 cyclists and over $120,000 raised to support FARA's mission- to treat and cure Friedreich's ataxia (FA) through research advancement. Dave Ghidiu, his brother and friend were courageous enough to “tackle those Philly hills” and completed the 50 mile route – Awesome! Mary and her husband Dave volunteered for the event, did SAG support to keep the riders safe, and cheered riders through the finish line.
A record number of people with FA riding bikes, handcycles and trikes participated this year as well as individuals from FARA’s worldwide research community. Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, and Bonefish Grill generously donated their time, talent and food to treat participants and guests to a first rate meal following the ride.
Ride Ataxia cycling events across the country have raised invaluable awareness for FA and funded $1,000,000 in research grants in just 4 short years. Friedreich’s ataxia is a debilitating, life-shortening, degenerative neuro-muscular disorder, a disease Mary’s stepsons have. To learn more about FA, the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) and Ride Ataxia visit https://www.curefa.org and https://www.rideataxia.org .
Mary Hallett-Brown
ETS: Instructional Technologies
10/13/2011 |