All proceeds from Go The Tan will go to FARA – Friedreich Ataxia Research Association.

FARA generates and allocates funds for research into Friedreich Ataxia. FA Friedreich Ataxia (FA) is a rare genetic disease that causes progressive neurological deterioration. Intellect remains unaffected yet life expectancy is reduced. Currently there is no cure. FA causes:

• Ataxia (Loss of mobilty & co-ordination)
• Cardiomyopathy (Thickening of the heart muscle wall)
• Scoliosis (Curvature of the spine)
• Weakness and atrophy of the muscles in the legs and hands
• Slurred speech – difficulty in speaking and sometimes swallowing
• Deafness, vision problems
• General exhaustion & lack of stamina

Some of the best research into FA is being done right here in Melbourne. The Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI) at the Royal Childrens Hospital in Melbourne is leading the world with their research into the disease. The Monash Medical Centre has opened the first FA clinic in the world – designed specifically so that FA sufferers may visit with specialists free of charge once a month. The recent opening of the Bruce Lefroy Centre at the MCRI has also added a further focus on FA research in Melbourne. The best work in the world is being done right here in Melbourne, but they need our funding. FARA Friedreich Ataxia Research Association was formed in 2002 by the Presidents of the FA Associations of Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. It was decided that an executive committee was required to manage the various forms of fundraising that were happening around the different states. A national body was recommended to strategically decide on the best allocation of research funds. Within FARA a Scientific Committee was developed to give an objective opinion of the best allocation of these funds. This Scientific Committee comprises Professor Bob Williamson (former Director of the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute), Professor Ed Byrne (Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Monash University) and Professor Bronya Keats (Head of the Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University, USA).

All Go The Tan funds will be given to FARA – a registered charity. These funds are then put before the Scientific Committee of FARA who will decide on its best allocation. This has been done to ensure that every dollar generated by Go The Tan will have the very best outcome.