I Choose How to Respond to Friedreich’s Ataxia Challenges
There is no single way to handle challenges in life. What works for me might not work for you. And what worked for you last time might not work for you this time. I think…
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.
Featured Post
Choosing to appreciate the now instead of stressing over the future
In my journey with progressive Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), I battle a wide array of symptoms. While increasingly poor balance seems to be my most disruptive and frustrating symptom, it’s not the one that keeps me up at night.
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Friedreich’s Ataxia Requires Regular Updates
Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is not easy to navigate. Like any lifelong journey, it has difficult seasons, roadblocks, and the occasional smooth path when you get to set your cruise control. It has unexpected detours, expenses, learning opportunities, and…
Accepting Love, Even When Friedreich’s Ataxia Makes It Hard
Most of us have heard about the five love languages described by author Gary Chapman. Love languages are the ways that we show and receive love, and the concept is commonly used in relationship or premarital counseling. For…
Self-awareness Helps Me Navigate the Unexpected
Since I began my Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) journey in 2013, expectations have become a huge part of my life. Before my diagnosis, I had never even heard of FA, let alone expected to engage in a lifelong battle…
My FA Status Update: It’s Complicated
I had a wonderful childhood, yet I knew how hard my parents worked to make that happen. So, when I became a grown-up, I felt like I had fairly realistic expectations. I planned on working hard and living…
I’ll Live With the Pity of Strangers and the Love of Loved Ones
I often think about the pity that is expressed to people with disabilities — people like me. I am an obviously disabled young woman, and my Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is on full display, making me a regular recipient…
The Balancing Act of Friedreich’s Ataxia
I saw a meme a couple of months ago that said, “I can either do a morning activity or an evening activity — I am too tired for both.” I shared it with my friends, and we giggled because…
New Year, New Me, and Same Friedreich’s Ataxia
There is a common saying at New Year’s as people make their resolutions: “New year, new me!” The beginning of a calendar year carries an air of possibility. It is an exciting chance to reflect on the previous year…
Entering 2022 With a Fresh Perspective on Friedreich’s Ataxia
Those who have been following my column about my journey through life with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) have probably noticed that I try to bring every entry to a positive conclusion. No matter how bleak, trivial, heavy, or uplifting my…
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