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USF Health's Dr. Stephen Klasko said significant advances in research toward finding treatments for FA had been made since last year's scientific symposium.News kindly supplied by Juan Carlos Baiges through Internaf and FAPG
August 30, 2010 - With all the significant scientific advancements presented, at the end of the symposium it was the people with Friedreich’s ataxia who gave the research meaning and value.
They were people like Holly LeBlanc, who for eight months traveled back and forth from Holland, MI, to USF to participate in a pilot clinical trial testing effects of the drug varenicline on neurological symptoms of Friedreich’s ataxia. She was back again August 26, with her mother and service dog Delsie, to attend the second annual scientific symposium hosted by the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) and the USF Ataxia Research Center.
Building on last year’s momentum, the “Cultivating a Cure” symposium drew scientists, clinicians and patients from across the country. “I consider USF my home away from home. The zest of Dr. Zesiewicz and her team to find a cure and treat me as a whole person has been amazing,” said LeBlanc, 37, who was diagnosed with Friedreich’s at age 24, after being misdiagnosed with another ataxia.
LeBlanc, who has a master’s degree in counseling, joined three other patients – Kyle Bryant, Nygel Lenz and Mary Vida – for a panel discussion moderated by Stephen K. Klasko, MD, MBA, CEO for USF Health and dean of the College of Medicine.
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