Posts by: Kendall Harvey

Kendall Harvey

Kendall is a wife and mother of two navigating life with Friedreich's Ataxia in Austin, Texas. She worked in marketing before "retiring" and becoming a stay-at-home-mom. She is an optimistic warrior fighting for a better future, free of FA.

August 27, 2020August 24, 2020

Feeling the 7-Year Itch With Friedreich’s Ataxia

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

I was diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) on Aug. 19, 2013. Before that day, I had never even heard of FA, let alone expected to think about this progressive, ... Read more

August 20, 2020August 18, 2020

Finding the Ideal Life Partner

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

When I was a young girl making a list of my “dream guy” qualities, it was probably like everyone else’s. I wanted him to be kind, handsome, smart, funny, ... Read more

August 13, 2020August 13, 2020

When Friedreich’s Ataxia Gives Me the Disabled Blues

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

Last week, my husband and I decided it was time for a change of scenery from our COVID-19 quarantine in Austin, Texas, and we rented a beach house on ... Read more

August 6, 2020July 31, 2020

Is the Grass Greener Without Friedreich’s Ataxia?

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

I keep thinking about the saying “the grass is always greener on the other side.” This is usually thrown around when you wish for something. We get it set ... Read more

July 30, 2020July 28, 2020

Maintaining Abilities With Friedreich’s Ataxia

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

With Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), I am used to the reality that my abilities are progressively deteriorating. I am losing coordination, dexterity, cellular energy, and strength every single day. I ... Read more

July 23, 2020July 21, 2020

I’ve Chosen to Be Intentionally Courageous

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

Friederich’s ataxia (FA) has taught me a lot about intentionality. As an FA patient, I must be intentional both physically and emotionally to function at the capacity I desire. ... Read more

July 16, 2020July 14, 2020

Battling ‘Mobility Envy’ as My FA Symptoms Progress

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a cruel, degenerative genetic disease that attacks the central nervous system and deteriorates muscle coordination, strength, energy, and dexterity. It steals motor skills, making FA ... Read more

July 9, 2020July 7, 2020

Seizing What I Can from Life

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a progressively degenerative neurological disease. It targets almost every aspect of my body, especially coordination, balance, dexterity, and energy. My abilities are slowly diminishing, and ... Read more

July 2, 2020June 30, 2020

Growing Bigger Than Friedreich’s Ataxia

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

People respond to adversity in many different ways. You can rise to the challenge or crumble under its weight. You can push through or bail. Sometimes, you have to ... Read more

June 25, 2020June 23, 2020

Behind Closed Doors: Why I Share the Reality of FA

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

I am an open book about most areas of my life. I’ll answer just about any question I am asked, even questions about my Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). FA is ... Read more

June 18, 2020June 16, 2020

How I’ve Adapted to Being Disabled in an Able-bodied World

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

Before I developed symptoms and then was diagnosed at 25 with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), a progressive and degenerative disease, I was healthy, active, and able. Since my symptoms progressed, ... Read more

June 11, 2020June 8, 2020

Fairy Tales, Dreams, and a Cure for FA

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

When you are the parent of kids ages 5 and 3, you read lots of fairy-tale books and watch countless Disney movies. You become part of the wonderful stories ... Read more

June 4, 2020June 2, 2020

Choosing Hope Over Fear with Friedreich’s Ataxia

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

Friedreich’s ataxia is a daunting, life-altering diagnosis. It changes every aspect of your life, especially as your disease progresses. It changes your ability to do the things that once ... Read more

May 28, 2020May 26, 2020

Instagram vs. Reality with Mobility Aids

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

Because of my Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), I use a walker as a mobility aid. The walker helps provide the stability that I can’t accomplish on my own, which helps ... Read more

May 14, 2020May 12, 2020

Pros and Cons of Mothering with Friedreich’s Ataxia

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

I am the proud mother to two children: my 5-year-old son and my nearly 3-year-old daughter. We just celebrated Mother’s Day last weekend. My family always does a wonderful ... Read more

May 7, 2020May 6, 2020

It’s OK to Ask Me About FA

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

The biggest things in our lives tend to occupy most of our brain space, such as family, significant others, friends, jobs, goals, pets, finances, plans, and so on. I ... Read more

April 30, 2020May 5, 2020

This Year’s rideATAXIA Was Postponed, but We’re Not Giving Up

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

Part of the personal process of accepting my Friedreich’s ataxia diagnosis was deciding to do something proactive to try to secure a better, disease-free future for my fellow FA ... Read more

April 16, 2020April 14, 2020

Training a New Puppy Isn’t Easy, But It’s Worth It

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

I’m always alarmed when I notice the progression of my Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) symptoms, which highlight the harsh reality of my progressive neurological disease. Recently we got a new ... Read more

April 2, 2020March 30, 2020

Journaling Helped Me Document My FA Progression

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

One of the harsh realities of life with Friedreich’s ataxia is falling. That was my first major symptom and a red flag. I knew something was wrong because I ... Read more

March 19, 2020March 18, 2020

I Have a Complex Relationship with Physical Therapy

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

I was an athlete until my mid-20s. I swam competitively for 14 years and was a cheerleader, a volleyball player, and an avid runner. My involvement in organized sports ... Read more

December 5, 2019January 15, 2020

Navigating the Holidays with Friedreich’s Ataxia

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

Christmas is always my favorite time of year. The holiday season is a busy time filled with traditions, but in my memories, December is a magical month full of ... Read more

August 22, 2019September 11, 2019

The Pros and Cons of Using a Walker

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

As a Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) patient, I use a walker 95 percent of the time. FA interferes with my balance and coordination, so my walker prevents falls by providing ... Read more

June 20, 2019August 7, 2019

Donning My Friedreich’s Ataxia Hat

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

I wear many hats: I’m a wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend, writer, etc. The most exhausting, constant, and thankless hat I don is that of Friedreichs ataxia (FA) patient. ... Read more

May 16, 2019May 15, 2019

Wishing Away Friedreich’s Ataxia

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a heavy diagnosis. It is a relentlessly cruel progressive disease without a treatment or cure. It’s a lot to process and handle, challenging my worldview ... Read more

April 18, 2019June 28, 2019

Navigating Curious Kids and Friedreich’s Ataxia

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

As a mom, I am obviously around kids all the time. But not just my own. I am around kids when I take my children to school, T-ball, church, ... Read more

March 28, 2019May 15, 2019

Austin Knows How to Treat People with Disabilities

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

Earlier this year, I was extremely nervous about using my walker in public. Previously I had been able to “hide” the effects of my Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). I used ... Read more

March 7, 2019March 20, 2019

What Fundraising Means to Me

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

I’ve always been fascinated by stories featuring people who confront adversity by fighting against all odds to do extraordinary things. I’ve cried during “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” or when ... Read more

February 28, 2019March 13, 2019

Becoming Dependent Restored My Independence 

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

One of the scariest life changes a patient anticipates upon receiving a diagnosis of Friedreich’s ataxia is the use of a walking aid. For me, the thought of needing ... Read more

February 21, 2019February 27, 2019

Respecting My Body Despite Friedreich’s Ataxia

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

I may not like my body, but I respect it. I often find myself explaining what I mean when I say “I hate my body.” So many people the world ... Read more

February 14, 2019February 22, 2019

The Hopes and Risks of Starting a Friedreich’s Ataxia Clinical Trial

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

When diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia, the first things people usually ask are: “What can I do about this? Is there a treatment or cure? Where do I sign up?” ... Read more

February 7, 2019February 14, 2019

When Life Hands You Lemons

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

“Life isn’t fair.” “No one said this would be easy.” We have all heard these platitudes and we’ve all repeated them. And yes, there is truth in these well-worn ... Read more

January 24, 2019January 31, 2019

Similarities in Parenting and Friedreich’s Ataxia

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

At first, I resented having Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) because it hasn’t allowed me to be the mom I always imagined I would be. Now that I have a couple ... Read more

January 17, 2019January 24, 2019

A Friedreich’s Ataxia Explainer

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

Describing a progressive genetic disease like Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is difficult. It has a wide range of symptoms, most of which are unique to FA and not easily understood ... Read more

December 6, 2018January 23, 2019

How Friedreich’s Ataxia Redefined My Faith

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

I grew up in a church-going family that was always involved in ministry. We spent at least three days a week at church. I had a sound knowledge of ... Read more

November 29, 2018February 28, 2019

A Physical Therapist Shares Her Perspective on Working with FA Patients

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

I have been working with my physical therapist, Kelli, for a year and a half. She is brilliant at what she does and has become a dear friend. I ... Read more

November 15, 2018November 14, 2018

My Journey to a Friedreich’s Ataxia Diagnosis, Part 3

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

Third and final in a series. In a previous column, I discussed the tests I underwent to diagnose Friedreich’s ataxia. “Kendall, I was afraid that this might be the ... Read more

November 8, 2018November 6, 2018

My Journey to a Friedreich’s Ataxia Diagnosis, Part 2

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

Second in a series. In a previous column, I discussed my active childhood and early signs that something wasn’t right. As the evidence began to pile up, I started ... Read more

November 1, 2018October 30, 2018

My Journey to a Friedreich’s Ataxia Diagnosis, Part 1

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

First in a series. From the time we are toddlers, we start dreaming about the future. We want to be firefighters, teachers, rock stars, race car drivers, or in ... Read more

October 18, 2018March 4, 2019

I’ve Adopted the Concept of ‘Besides FA’

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

I recently began participating in a 48-week, Phase 2 clinical trial for Friedreich’s ataxia. The way I understand it, the study’s investigational treatment is designed to make the cells ... Read more

September 27, 2018February 8, 2019

New to Friedreich’s Ataxia?

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

The first time I ever heard of Friedreich’s ataxia was the day I was diagnosed with the disease in 2013 at the age of 25. To say I was ... Read more

September 20, 2018March 19, 2019

I’m Not Yet Sure How to Fight My Fatigue

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

Friedreich’s ataxia causes a wide array of symptoms. Every FA patient experiences the disease differently. For me, fatigue is a major symptom. Before I experienced FA, I thought I ... Read more

September 13, 2018March 4, 2019

Seasons of Life with Friedreich’s Ataxia

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

Since my 2013 Friedreich’s ataxia diagnosis, the condition has consumed a part of every day. I was prepared for the physical changes that would come with FA, but the ... Read more

September 6, 2018March 5, 2019

The Emotional Workout of Physical Therapy

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

In Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) care, we don’t really have treatment options. There are clinical trials taking place to work on treatments and hopefully one day, a cure. But until ... Read more

August 30, 2018August 28, 2018

My Big (Literal) Break

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

Editor’s note: This post includes images of a bone break that may be disturbing to readers. For some time now, I’ve needed to use a walker (or another mobility ... Read more

April 12, 2018April 11, 2018

Fight or Flight in FA Patients

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

Almost everyone can point to moments in their lives dictated by the choice: fight or flight. By definition, the fight-or-flight response is a physiological reaction that occurs in response to a ... Read more

March 22, 2018March 20, 2018

What rideATAXIA Means to Me

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a big, overwhelming disease. And with it being so rare, it can feel very isolating. My immediate family and I had never even heard of ... Read more

March 8, 2018March 7, 2018

Dealing with Progression

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

As my Friedreich’s ataxia symptoms progress, so do my feelings and emotions about this complex disease. When diagnosed, I accepted it pretty quickly. I obviously knew that something was ... Read more

February 8, 2018February 7, 2018

Friedreich’s Ataxia and Marriage: Dealing with the Diagnosis

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

When I met my husband Kyle in high school at the age of 16, everything was perfect. We were perfect. We were madly in love with limitless possibilities ahead ... Read more

February 1, 2018February 7, 2019

Pregnancy and Friedreich’s Ataxia

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

When diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) at the age of 25, I was devastated. I thought I would have really poor quality of life and that all of the ... Read more

January 25, 2018January 25, 2018

An Introduction to My Darling Disability

Columns, My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

My name is Kendall and I was diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) at the age of 25. I grew up in Katy, Texas, where my childhood was quite happy. I was always ... Read more