Columns

How Friedreich’s ataxia fits into my summer goals

May is always a hectic month for my family. With school functions and class parties, youth sports, birthdays, Mother’s Day, and the approach of summer, life moves quickly this time of year. While part of me can hardly believe that the school year is already coming to a close for…

The value in seeing each problem as an opportunity

It’s been a wild and busy season for my family. Springtime in my household is usually eventful because it’s filled with things that we all enjoy, and most days, I wouldn’t have it any other way. From January through May, our calendar is typically chock-full of youth sports such as…

With Friedreich’s ataxia, it’s always something

As we navigate life, I think we’ve all felt, said, or at least heard the common saying “It’s always something.” I find myself saying that as a somewhat sarcastic self-challenge, meaning I still need to find a way to move forward, despite whatever new “something” there is to overcome.

When faced with health challenges, I aim to be resilient

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with Botox injections. Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy.​ Living with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a journey that tests the limits of one’s resilience. The progressive nature of this…

Magical thinking was ever-present in my early days with FA

Before my neurology appointments, I practiced tasks like touching my forefinger to my thumb, forming the “O” of the “OK” symbol. Part of my exam was, and still is, measuring how quickly I can do that repeatedly. I was determined to excel in my neurological exam. Now, I look back…