Meet Holly
My name is Holly and I have Friedreich's Ataxia (FA). I just turned 18, and am very similar to my other high school classmates. I'm very social and I get good grades. But one of the differences between me and them is that that I use a wheelchair at school. I'm always surrounded by great friends and an amazing family, though, so I don't always feel the difference.
At first, I did not want to draw attention to my disease, and was not comfortable explaining my hardships to others. However, now I have taken on a whole new perspective, and have become extremely dedicated to raising awareness for a cure for FA. My strength and determination infected those close to me; I chose not to be intimidated by the imposing implications of my disease, and this mindset transferred to them, too. Out of this stemmed Holly's Hope.
Every day tasks like going in and out of doctor's offices, walking through my house, hanging out with friends-- these things are taken for granted by most, but are what I wish every day I could do more easily. Someday, when they find a cure, I will be able to. In the short time since my diagnosis, research has come a long way, thanks to many generous and helpful people who truly care. As for right now, I hope to overcome my weaknesses, laugh at myself more, and always remember to love!
At first, I did not want to draw attention to my disease, and was not comfortable explaining my hardships to others. However, now I have taken on a whole new perspective, and have become extremely dedicated to raising awareness for a cure for FA. My strength and determination infected those close to me; I chose not to be intimidated by the imposing implications of my disease, and this mindset transferred to them, too. Out of this stemmed Holly's Hope.
Every day tasks like going in and out of doctor's offices, walking through my house, hanging out with friends-- these things are taken for granted by most, but are what I wish every day I could do more easily. Someday, when they find a cure, I will be able to. In the short time since my diagnosis, research has come a long way, thanks to many generous and helpful people who truly care. As for right now, I hope to overcome my weaknesses, laugh at myself more, and always remember to love!
Holly (left) and Jess (right) in 2009
"My name is Jess and I have been Holly's neighbor and close friend since we were young. We basically grew up together, so I have seen her mature into the beautiful, optimistic, and amazing youn lady she is today. I have also seen the transformation of this disease, and it has not been easy. Only a few years ago, Holly and I walked my uncle's dogs down the aisle in his wedding. Today, it is very difficult for her to walk at all. But the thing is...she never complains about it. She just works with what she's got and she is so dedicated to doing everything she can to fight this. Often, I even forget that she is affected by such a disease. When I used to drive her to school in the morning, we would talk and laugh, or simply listen to the radio. She texts all the time, she works hard when she can in school, she paints the most stunning pictures...it's only when I am setting up the wheel chair, or have to help get her from the car into her chair, that I remember. Her attitude is infectious though. All I feel is hope. Hope in our fundraising efforts, hope in finding a cure, hope in giving Holly back everything she wants. Holly has changed my life--and I now want to change hers."