Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA)
Laura Preby has a diverse work experience spanning various industries. Laura has worked as a Director of Communications at Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA), where they developed and implemented a cohesive communications strategy. Laura has also worked as a Content Writer at LSEO, creating link-building articles for clients. Additionally, Laura has experience as a Senior Writer at Haverford Systems Inc. and PTZOptics, where they wrote marketing copy to promote products and services. Laura has also held positions at The Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry as a Director of Marketing and Communications, and at the West Chester University Foundation as a Marketing Associate. Prior to that, they worked at ENX2 Marketing & Consulting as a Marketing Assistant, at Denny's as a Waitress, and at Maternal And Family Health Services, Inc. as a Breast Health Outreach Assistant.
Laura Preby earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies from Wilkes University in 2014. Laura then pursued a Master of Arts degree in Communication and Media Studies at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, which they completed in 2017. Prior to their college education, Preby attended Pittston Area Senior High School from 2006 to 2010.
Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA)
The Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) is a national, public, 501(c)(3), non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to curing Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) through research. FARA grants and activities provide support for basic and translational FA research, pharmaceutical/ biotech drug development, clinical trials, and scientific conferences. FARA also serves as a catalyst, between the public and scientific community, to create worldwide exchanges of information that drive medical advances. FARA was founded in September 1998 by a group of patient families and three of the world’s leading FA scientists — Drs. Rob Wilson, Bronya Keats, and Massimo Pandolfo. It was staffed and managed as an all volunteer organization until late 2005. FARA's leadership and numerous patient families and friends have raised critical funds over the years to support FA research. Thanks to the brilliant and committed efforts of many FA scientists, we now understand the cause of FA and specific mechanisms leading to damage in FA patients. These understandings allow for more targeted approaches to treatment which are currently being developed for clinical trials.