Finding the Funny: Fiona Cauley Uses Comedy to Raise Disability Awareness

Fiona Cauley, 29, brings attention to Friedreich ataxia (FRDA or FA) every time she sits on a stage. A comedian living with FRDA, Fiona candidly shares her observations about living with a disability.

Before her diagnosis, Fiona played volleyball and soccer. When her first symptoms appeared in high school — loss of balance and slurred speech — the school principal thought she might be drunk. Then, at 18, Fiona was diagnosed with FRDA. As the disease weakened her muscles, she went from using a cane to using a wheelchair.

About five years ago, Fiona began performing at a comedy club in her hometown, Nashville, Tennessee. Her stand-up makes people laugh while helping them understand the attitudes and barriers she encounters. From Uber drivers refusing to pick her up and airlines breaking her wheelchair to dating difficulties and rude strangers, Fiona exposes the frustrations she faces with humor and honesty.

Fiona’s career has gained momentum. In recent years, she toured with Nikki Glaser and appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” Currently, she’s headlining a US tour.

Nearly three years ago, Fiona began taking the only approved drug for FRDA, omaveloxolone (Skyclarys). “Everyone asks me, ‘Is it working?’ And the point of the drug is to not get worse.” She deadpans that it’s hard to notice if nothing is happening. “People who don’t see me often have made comments about my speech sounding better or my movement seeming more precise. That’s encouraging,” Fiona says.

Despite making others laugh for a living, Fiona occasionally needs her own spirits lifted. She says reading messages from people in the disability community is the best pick-me-up. Through her humor, Fiona considers herself an advocate for FRDA and anyone living with a disability.

Barbara Twardowski is a writer in Louisiana living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT).