North Branford - The Caruso/Bode family will open their home to the community for a holiday event to benefit the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA).    The event will feature food and beverages, vendors, a raffle and local musician Billy Twyford & Friends.  It will be a night of spirit, friendship and kindness as friends come together to celebrate life and help put an end to Friedreich's Ataxia (FA).

FA is a disease that not many have heard of, although one in 100 people carry the gene that can pass on the disease.  In 1995, when mom Mary Caruso heard the words "Friedreich's ataxia" as a diagnosis for her then eight-year-old daughter, it filled her mind with confusion, fear and disbelief.  As they made it through the initial mourning phase, and onto the second diagnosis of Caruso's younger daughter, their lives were forever changed.

FA is a life shortening, progressive and devastating disease.  It robs people of their ability to walk, talk and use their hands appropriately.  It causes heart disease, diabetes, hearing loss and blindness.

Although the road has been challenging, this North Branford family continues on in efforts to find a treatment and a chance for the girls, and so many others, to fight for their lives.

This year's Hearts of Hope Shopping night features author Sandi Kahn Shelton as the evening's celebrity host.  Shelton is known best for her popular novels (penned as Maddie Dawson) as well as her quirky and wonderful sense of humor.  Her numerous accomplishments, as well as her humble personality, will add to this uplifting evening.  Come by, meet Shelton, have a laugh and have one of her books signed.

Guests can shop for unique holiday gifts among vendors including: Pampered Chef, Silpada Jewelry, Keelin Bret Jewelry, Lovet Shop, Perrottis Country Barn and Christmas Shop, Mad Hatter and Eve's Apparal.

Please plan to attend this embracing evening on Nov. 14 from 4 - 9 p.m at  1 North Street, North Branford.  With a $5 donation, you will receive a raffle ticket.  For questions or more information, please call (203) 889-6484.

The Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) is a national, public, 501(c) (3), nonprofit, ,tax exempt organization dedicated to curing Friedreich's ataxia (FA) through research.  www.curefa.org