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.So much of living with a progressive, lifelong disease like Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is mentally processing and accepting the physical changes it brings. But with the widespread degeneration of my body and the…
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Life with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) can feel daunting as we face hardships, struggles, and countless tribulations. Most FA patients I know have a positive attitude and try to keep moving forward despite what…
I’m frequently asked, “What happened to you?” The person asking usually points at my walker. What they’re really asking is, “Why are you using a walker?” People don’t tend to think of an obvious…
I often write about how important it is to have a strong village supporting you in life — not only for big things like parenting and disabilities caused by Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), but…
I am the first to admit that I am a Disney fanatic. I have always loved the replicated ideas in Disney movies that friends and family can come together and discover strengths they never…
Since the beginning of my journey with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), worries about the future have plagued me. Would I have a future? What would it look like? As I learned more about FA,…
It’s not uncommon for me to throw myself pity parties. Living with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a constant battle. I have to choose to be strong every moment of every day and to…
Throughout my journey with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), I’ve wrestled with people calling me an inspiration. My feelings about it have changed and progressed just as quickly as my disabled body. When I was…
Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) has changed so much about who I am. The physical effects have changed how I think, act, feel, and relate. Some of the changes are good, some are bad, and others…
One of my favorite books to read to my children is “What Do You Do With a Problem?” by Kobi Yamada. In it, the book’s main character suddenly finds himself facing a problem.
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