Epic Game Day: Las Vegas Teen Turns Love of Board Games into Mission to Find a Cure

At just 12, Jack Mohamed was diagnosed with Friedreich's ataxia (FA), a rare, degenerative, and life-shortening neuromuscular disorder that affects approximately 15,000 people worldwide. Rather than let his diagnosis define him, Jack has channeled his energy into two passions: gaming and raising money to help find a cure for FA.

Next Saturday, November 14, Jack and his family will host the 4th annual EPIC GAME DAY, a day of gaming, family, friends, and fundraising in partnership with Natural Twenty Gaming Store in Henderson. The event raises awareness and critically needed funds for the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA), a nonprofit dedicated to advancing scientific research for treatments and a cure.

Jack is now 16 and still loves chess and board games. This year, he won his first chess tournament! He is also recovering from foot surgery to improve his mobility. Because his regular school could not provide the accommodations he needed, Jack now attends a hybrid school, learning from home four days a week and attending one day a week in person. Through it all, his passion for play remains strong, as does his commitment to raising funds to help find a cure for FA.

FARA's research has helped drive significant breakthroughs in the fight against FA, spurring clinical trials and offering hope to individuals and families who, not long ago, had few reasons to believe a treatment might be possible.

This year’s event is shaping up to be even bigger, thanks to generous donations of games and prizes from Rio Grande Games and Triceratops Games. Attendees can also try a few new games at the event. Jack’s cousin, Mike Bilder, CEO of JackBox Games, is flying in for the event and will give away games and merchandise to winners.

Everyone is welcome to come learn and play. Jack and his family and friends are looking forward to a day of gaming for a good cause.