A timeline of my Friedreich’s ataxia progression, part 3
Last in a series. Read parts one and two. Since our family was complete and the pregnancy chapter of my life was done, I decided to reclaim my body and focus on…
My Darling Disability
— Kendall Harvey
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.
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Substitute teaching is a chance to educate children about disability
Here in the United States, fall is back-to-school season — something I’m very aware of as the mom of two elementary-age children. This year, the logistics of this season have looked different for…
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A Timeline of My Friedreich’s Ataxia Progression, Part 2
Second in a series. Read part one. In 2013, when I was 25 and newly diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), the only activities that were no longer safe for me were…
A Timeline of My Friedreich’s Ataxia Progression, Part 1
First in a series. As I continue my journey with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), I’m frequently asked questions such as: “How long have you been going to physical therapy?” “When did you start…
Considering Our Response to Living With Rare Medical Conditions
Many NFL fans around the world were shaken on Jan. 2, when Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Since then, there has been…
Setting My Intentions for a New Year With Friedreich’s Ataxia
Happy New Year! I love to use January to reflect on the previous year and picture the possibilities for the new one. I won’t go so far as to set unattainable goals, but I…
Eating Humble Pie Helps Me Adjust My Perspective on Life With FA
I often write about perspective because I think it’s vitally important to intentionally maintain a healthy, well-rounded perspective when going through daily life with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). FA is daunting and can quickly…
‘Don’t Stop Believin”: Finding the Magic in Life With FA
I am the proud mother of two darling young children. My son, Brooks, is 8, and my daughter, Collins, is 5. To make December even more magical, they still believe in Santa Claus.
Lessons From Apples and Oranges on Avoiding the Comparison Trap
Hardships are a part of the human experience. Everyone has gone through or is going through something they’d rather not face. We don’t get to choose the struggles we encounter; we can only choose…
Heading Into Thanksgiving With an Attitude of Gratitude
With Thanksgiving approaching, my family and I have been talking about what we’re thankful for. My 5-year-old daughter, Collins, is thankful for adorable things like her cat named Banana, our swimming pool, her school…
