GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) -A 26-year-old PHD candidate at the University of Florida is partnering with Bill Nye the Science Guy to bring more attention and research to a rare genetic neuromuscular disease, Friedreich’s Ataxia.

Christian Maugee was diagnosed with FA at age nine, well before he began experiencing symptoms. At eight years old, his twin sister Isabel started exhibiting symptoms, prompting the entire family to get genetically tested. At age 14, Christian’s speech slurred, he started having balance issues, and started needing to use a walker, then eventually a wheelchair.

“Being diagnosed with the disease is very world-ending,” Maugee said. “And so it’s very important for people to understand that they are not alone in their fight and that there are things being done and resear

See Full Page