Jean Walsh hails from Massachusetts. You will find a mental health perspective in her writing, reflecting her two mental health graduate degrees. She has years of work experience, the most pertinent being her experience as a grant writer. Jean was diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) when she was 19, and has been an avid FA volunteer since. She is 40 years into her journey with FA and so has a lot of experience to share with her shared FA, rare, and chronic disease communities.
I recently saw a short YouTube video extolling the importance of accepting that life is bittersweet. In this acceptance, we can become content. If you’ve been reading my columns, you’ve heard me say that I’m happy. I’ve been…
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Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with Skyclarys (omaveloxolone). Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. The holiday season is upon us. For many, it’s a…
A couple weeks ago, I wrote that I was planting bulbs in my garden. I’m still doing that because I always buy too many. They’re just too beautiful for me to pass up! OK, I could pass them up,…
I’ve been thinking a lot about the stories I tell myself about my life, as they can make a big difference in how I feel. Telling myself a productive story has especially helped me in my 43-year journey with…
Last week, I had a bump in navigating my Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) road. The wheelchair I use because of my FA symptoms went offline. I use a Whill C2 wheelchair, and I love it. I’d love not…
While attending a recent Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) symposium, I tried, as I always do, to take in the science. I’m grateful that the annual symposium, held by the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) and the Friedreich’s Ataxia Center…
I recently went to Philadelphia for rideATAXIA, a fundraiser bike ride benefiting the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA). The event was followed by a symposium focused on summarizing the current research on new treatments and a…
Saturday, Sept. 21, was a sloppy one. Skies were gray and rain poured down, but there were lots of smiles to go around. It wasn’t an ideal day for the Race for Matt and Grace, a 5K run…
I just got back from a walk with my service dog, Wendy. It’s a beautiful fall day in my neighborhood. The mums are starting to burst with brilliant colors, and some of the trees that are a little…
I just began the process of getting my legacy service dog. A legacy dog follows a current service dog and is super important for those who rely upon these animals for independence. I need a service dog because…
When doing patient advocacy, I’m frequently asked, “Tell me your rare disease story.” My initial response is to sigh on the inside. Why the sigh? After all, I’m fortunate to have been given a platform to advocate for myself and…
During a recent drive home from an appointment with my new primary care physician (PCP), I felt a dark cloud dissipate that I didn’t even know was hanging over my head. The sun was shining, and I sang a…
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