Andrea lives with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), a rare, genetic, and progressive neuromuscular disease that mainly affects the central nervous system and the heart. She has shared her story with PTC to help spread awareness about FA.
“My name is Andrea Garcia, and I was diagnosed with FA when I was five years old.
Around the age of five, my mom noticed my back was not straight, I was getting tired of walking, tripping a lot, and asking anyone around me to feed me. My mother, who is also in the medical industry (she is a family doctor) knew that this was not normal. She took me to my pediatrician, who had an unfortunate response – he said I was just ‘spoiled and conceited.’ My mom knew he was wrong because I was missing milestones that someone my age should have achieved. She took me to a genetic specialist who finally confirmed I had a neuromuscular disease called Friedreich’s ataxia.
The one thing I’d like to share with the FA community is for them to know that we are not alone. After I was diagnosed at five years old, it took me a little over 10 years just to start getting involved in the community. I felt so alone during that time, but meeting other people and talking to others is so helpful.
I have been translating and interpreting for the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) for years. My mission is to get the Spanish-speaking/Hispanic community more involved in the FA community.”