By Stephanie Fasano and Jenn Palmer
On this week’s edition of “QuinniPeople”, we learn about the Quinnipiac Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon and how they are helping one of their brothers. They held an event on Sunday to raise money and bring awareness to a degenerative, neuro-muscular disorder, Friedreich’s Ataxia. The fraternity wanted to help out one of their own, sophomore, Joe Mullaney, and show people his positive outlook on life.
“You’re in charge of what you do no matter what and some people don’t realize that,” said Mullaney.
He works out 3-4 times a week and eats gluten free to help maintain the muscles in his body. To keep his movement and not rely on his scooter, Mullaney walks the track at the Mount Carmel gym, lights weights and rides the bike.
His friend, Matt Blumenthal, realized Mullaney’s strengths and weaknesses last year and wanted to help him out. Blumenthal contacted Mary Caruso from the Fredreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance to set up a Ride Ataxia in Hamden after he participated in one of the rides in California.
“He [Blumenthal] knew I had FA and he knew there were all these treatments coming out but no cure. He wanted to help out anyway he could. So he found a ride and he was like that was really cool, we raised a ton of money doing that so he wanted to bring it back to Quinnipiac,” said Mullaney.
“Something like this can do wonders for research and I really believe it does wonders for people that would never imagine what it’s like to live with this disease. So if they can both raise money and make some impact to the people on campus about the importance of treating all people with dignity then that’s huge,” said FARA Fundraising Advisor, Mary Caruso.
Mullaney shows an incredible attitude and confidence to help one day find a cure against FA. “And like I tell everyone, you can’t let the disease win pretty much you can’t let it take over,” said Mullaney.
To join the effort to support Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA), you may donate here.
