My Darling Disability - a Column by Kendall Harvey

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The forced adversity of Friedreich’s ataxia can lead to personal growth

I recently met with an administrator at my children’s school to discuss their experiences, their current grades, and how we can set them up for success in the next school year. As we discussed their dyslexia and its effect on their academic abilities, we also spoke about the unexpected gifts…

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How I field the question, ‘Why are you in a wheelchair?’

Since making the transition last year to primarily using a wheelchair, I am often asked why. Over the years, I’ve developed three types of “elevator pitches” to answer questions about my health and dependence on mobility aids. My answers vary depending in part on how much time I have, who’s…

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I choose my responses when the bone-deep fatigue of FA controls my body

Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) affects my abilities, mood, energy levels, major musculoskeletal functions, and choices. It determines my days in ways far beyond what a 23-year-old newly diagnosed me could imagine. It is a lot to process. But, like most things, I get kind of “used to” it. New adaptations can…

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Yet another fall results in nose reconstruction surgery, part 2

Last in a series. Read part one. In the 10 days since my nose-fracturing accident and the three days since my reconstruction surgery, I’ve had a lot of time to reflect. As I mentioned last week, this isn’t the first time I’ve required surgery after falling due to the…

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Yet another fall results in nose reconstruction surgery, part 1

First in a series. When I broke, fractured, and dislocated my ankle in 2018, I earnestly prayed that it would be my first and only surgery resulting from a fall due to poor balance and coordination — symptoms of my Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). I hoped those two reconstructive plates…

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Redefining independence when faced with Friedreich’s ataxia progression

In December 2025, my husband, Kyle, and I traveled to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to see neurologist David Lynch. It was the first time I had traveled for Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) care since transitioning to predominantly using a wheelchair. Therefore, much of the discussion centered on this transition.

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When I focus on what I can control, problems become opportunities

Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is all-consuming. When I allow my experience with it to consume my thoughts, life with FA can seem like an insurmountable problem with no hope of rescue or normalcy. Living with FA and its symptom progression is entirely beyond my control. So what can…

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Using my unexpected platform to be a positive role model

This morning, I did something I rarely do: I asked my children for help with writer’s block. Every Monday morning, I sit down at my computer to write about whatever is in my heart or on my mind as it relates to living with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA).