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, nice to his family, hard-working, and my best friend. I met my dream guy in high school, and Kyle and…

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 the coast for a week. We had worked out all of the logistics and packed everything so we could remain…

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 in our minds that if we could just cross the figurative fence, grass would be greener and life would be better.

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 am all too aware of the ticking clock that has started the countdown on my ability to do just about…

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. I used to take my physical abilities for granted before my FA symptoms started. I practiced hard at swimming,…

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 patients progressively more disabled. As an FA patient working my way through the symptom progression, I can tell you…

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 my energy is constantly draining. With no approved treatments or cure, I have no tools to fight this inevitable deterioration of…

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 pick your battles and know when to fight or when to fold. That discernment takes maturity, strength, experience, and wisdom. Now…

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 a rare, progressive, degenerative neuromuscular disease that few people have heard of, and even fewer are truly knowledgeable about.

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, I no longer am “able,” at least not without assistance. Being disabled was not part of my plans for…