In loving memory of Izzy Penston
11/6/2000-3/25/2026
Izzy Penston of Alameda, CA passed away on March 25, 2026 from heart failure brought on by Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA), which they were diagnosed with at age nine.
Brilliant, curious, and with a sense of humor, Izzy brought laughter and joy to everyone who knew them. They were always ready for fun and never shied away from a challenge. Izzy loved trips to Disneyland, especially the Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain rides. In their teens they completed several creative projects, including writing for a podcast and video game. They loved playing Dungeons & Dragons with friends and attending anime conventions dressed as their favorite characters. Izzy loved animals and volunteered for many years at the local animal shelter with cats and bunnies. But the biggest love of them all was being matched with Canine Companions service dog Maeve in 2019.
Izzy left a lasting impression on all who knew them, and honored the FA community through the donation of their heart and brain for research. Please honor Izzy by donating to FARA to help fund research to slow, stop, and reverse Friedreich’s Ataxia.
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About the The Cause
Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a genetic, progressive neuromuscular disease. People with FA experience issues with balance and coordination of movement that lead to life-altering loss of mobility. Other common symptoms can include fatigue, serious heart conditions, scoliosis, and diabetes. FA is life-shortening and affects an estimated 5,000 individuals in the United States and 15,000 worldwide.
The Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) supports research into this disease by funding competitive grants across the spectrum from basic research through drug development and clinical research programs in FA. FARA promotes collaboration among scientists, advocates for public-private partnerships, and hosts open forums for leading scientists to share their insights and ideas to advance therapeutic development for FA.