Kendall Harvey is a wife and mother of two in Austin, Texas. She has been navigating life with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) since her diagnosis in 2013 at the age of 25. She worked in marketing before “retiring” to be a stay-at-home-mom. She is an optimistic warrior fighting for a better future free of FA. Until that day comes, she aspires to inspire others with her column by detailing personal life lessons about grit and grace. Kendall shares a message of hope despite disability.Being able to recognize your needs is a big sign of maturity. As a parent, I’ve had a front-row seat as my two young children, who have very different personalities, learn to recognize when…
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Mid-August is generally recognized as back-to-school time for those with school-age children or who work in education. Our television programs are flooded with commercials for the latest and greatest in children’s fashion trends and…
Sometimes life with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) can feel smooth, all things considered. Now and then, the accommodations my disabilities demand or the adaptations my symptom progression requires don’t seem that intrusive. I feel…
I’m 100% dependent on mobility aids due to my current stage of Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) progression. Given that, there’s never been a shortage of reactions by others to my various walkers and wheelchairs.
I’ve been struggling with my mental health lately. I’ve been grappling with feelings of inadequacy rooted in my Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) and subsequent inability to be an independent and effortless helper in my…
Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) can feel incredibly isolating. I’m fairly certain that rings true for most people going through life with a rare disease. Because FA is so rare, affecting only about 1…
Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is hard. Its symptoms are far-reaching and its progression can feel relentless and inescapable. When you give it the power, FA can make good or mundane days feel bad, and…
Last week, my family and I were in Destin, Florida, for my 10-year-old son’s baseball tournament. We intentionally built in a substantial amount of time to play on the beach, swim, enjoy fun restaurants,…
I’m a firm believer that life should be celebrated. I love decorating the house for holidays, birthdays, the first or last day of school, and anything else that provides my family with an excuse…
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