The source of FARA’s success can be summed up in one word: collaboration. Knowing that FA exists as a rare genetic anomaly is a boring statistic, but meeting FA patients, seeing their strengths and weaknesses, getting to know them - helps to bring out the humanity of those who live with FA.That humanity is central to what FARA is, and who Ron is. Whether he is partnering with a group of scientists and drug companies or following the two stripes on the soldier’s hat in front of him, Ron Bartek recognizes that our strength is found in our ability to collaborate with others.