About CAFA Central Branch

Roger Foley- President

Roger was born with Cerebellar Ataxia. He has battled the deterioration of the condition throughout his life. Despite battling daily Ataxia, Roger has never held back on achieving positive goals and dreams.

Roger is a Carleton University graduate and a two time Royal Bank of Canada Award of Excellence recipient for his work as Dominion Securities E-Busniess Manager. Roger donates both his skills and time to CAFA and other organizations that support communities and those struggling with disabilities.

Pam Shortt
Vice-President Ontario

Pam is a former Registered Nurse and has had a life long battle with Friedreich's ataxia. She donates her time and knowledge to CAFA in hopes of helping to find a cure and to help those also suffering from all forms of Ataxia. Pam is also a proud mother and wife passionately dedicated to family life.

Chelsey Sommerfield
Vice President Manitoba

Chelsey was diagnosed with Freidriech’s Ataxia at the age of 16. Both her and her sister Brittany are two of the most inspiring Ataxians in Canada. They battle FA with courage and work with their Mother to create a better tomorrow for themselves and others. Chelsey is CAFA Central Branch Vice President Manitoba and represents the provience in Ataxia awareness and support. Chelsey and her sister Brittany were featured on the Winnipeg news to tell their story and to introduce Ataxia to the community. You can watch the newscast at this link or chick play on the embedded video below.

Nikki Chartier
Secretary - Treasurer

Nikki is CAFA Central’s Secutary and Treasurer. She has Fredrich’s Ataxia but does not let the condition prevent her from living life to it’s fullest. Her and her husband reside in Sudbury and she is the voice of Ataxia Awareness in Northern Ontario.

Nikki’s passionate battle against Ataxia and Muscular Dystrophy is displayed on her arm as a tattoo. The tattoo shows a blue ribbon that represents Ataxia with the Muscular Dystrophy red puzzle pieces behind it.