Hi, my name is Xy Mia Smith. I am 8 years old. The Jonas Brothers is my favorite music group and I love to spend time with my cousins.

     Friday Sept. 25th is International Ataxia Awareness Day. I will run this page for one year to raise awareness and raise money for a cure!

     On August 13th 2008 I was diagnosed with a rare disorder called Friedreich's Ataxia. Though it was nice to know why I fall so much, it was a difficult time finding out what the future holds for me.

     Without a cure, I will slowly lose the ability to walk, talk, see and hear. I am already having a very hard time walking. Due to FA I also have a very serious heart condition called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, thickening of the heart muscle which makes my heart very weak. I will also most likely be affected by diabetes and scoliosis of the spine in just a few years time.

     Though the above reality looks grim, all hope is not lost. Researchers all over the world are working to find a treatment to either slow or stop the FA progression. We need funds to advance this research and commit to clinical trials for safety and efficacy. Please visit www.curefa.org to find out more about our group: Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance.

     You can make a difference. Please help to fund research and find a cure for Friedreich's Ataxia. All donations go directly to FARA!

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!