Meet your local FAmily hosts
Hayden
Howard
Hayden is 23 now, she was diagnosed with FA, and Cardiomyopathy at 11. She lost her ability to walk independantly at 19. Hayden serves as an ambassador for the Friedrichs Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) and is a member of the Lexeo Cardiac Advisory Council. Her biggest passion is travelling so you can typically find her planning her next trip or working on advocacy projects. You can connect with her social media @mylifeasHayden.
Greyson
Freed
Greyson is a 20-year-old entrepreneur. He is working to develope acessibility equiptment with the user and caregiver in mind. He also enjoys brewing beer, lifting weights, listening to music and spending time with his friends and family. Greyson enjoys a good joke and will tell you that he isn’t here for a long time but he IS here for a good time. If you want to start a conversation with Greyson, ask to see his tatoos.
Greyson was diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia when he was 8 years old.
Marcy
Freed
Creative, compassionate, and determined, Amelia is a Columbus native with a soft spot for animals—especially pets needing a little extra love and attention. While navigating the everyday barriers of a Friedreich’s ataxia diagnosis, Amelia continues to dream big. To date, she has traveled over 20,000 miles to participate in research, driven by a desire to find a cure not just for herself, but for everyone in our FAmily. An avid wheelchair basketball player, she can often be found sporting her beloved Columbus Knights Spirit Wear.
Amelia
Hamilton
Creative, compassionate, and determined, Amelia is a Columbus native with a soft spot for animals—especially pets needing a little extra love and attention. While navigating the everyday barriers of a Friedreich’s ataxia diagnosis, Amelia continues to dream big. To date, she has traveled over 20,000 miles to participate in research, driven by a desire to find a cure not just for herself, but for everyone in our FAmily. An avid wheelchair basketball player, she can often be found sporting her beloved Columbus Knights Spirit Wear.
Beth
Hamilton
Creative, compassionate, and determined, Amelia is a Columbus native with a soft spot for animals—especially pets needing a little extra love and attention. While navigating the everyday barriers of a Friedreich’s ataxia diagnosis, Amelia continues to dream big. To date, she has traveled over 20,000 miles to participate in research, driven by a desire to find a cure not just for herself, but for everyone in our FAmily. An avid wheelchair basketball player, she can often be found sporting her beloved Columbus Knights Spirit Wear.
Amelia
Coffey
Amelia is a spunky, hilarious 10 year old from Galena, Ohio whose smile lights up every room. Because of Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA), Amelia faces significant fatigue, heart complications, and mobility challenges, but none of that has dimmed her thirst for life or her big dreams. She’s an avid animal lover, an adventure seeker, and travel enthusiast. Betting on a Cure is more than a fundraiser. It’s a community promise to girls like Amelia that a brighter, healthier future is possible. Amelia was diagnosed at 8 years old.
Laurel
Coffey
Laurel is a Galena based photographer, mother of three, and owner of Laurel Coffey Photography. After studying psychology and studio art at The Ohio State University, she developed a passion for combining thoughtful observation with artistic expression. She primarily photographs children and loves the innocence, individuality and unexpected humor they bring to every session. Outside of photography, you will find her soaking up every second with her family, traveling, creating, or spending time in nature.