An Open Letter to My Friends, Who Support Me in Life With FA
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…
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
How a different perspective offers lessons to learn
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…
Read more
Conquering Villains With the Magical Power of Perspective
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…
Facing an Unknown Future as My FA Symptoms Progress
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,…
FA Gives Me a New Reason to Throw Myself a Pity Party
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…
My Journey to Accepting My Responsibility With FA
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…
How FA Has Affected My Parenting Abilities
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…
Approaching Everyday Problems as Opportunities for Growth
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.
My Main Friedreich’s Ataxia Symptoms, Visible and Not
Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a cruel diagnosis in several ways, and those ways seem to frequently morph, multiply, and momentarily take over my life. When I first started to learn about FA and my…
What I Hope My Kids Will Inherit From My Life With FA
I fell head over heels in love with my husband, Kyle, when I was 16 years old. By 18, I knew I would marry him. Then it came time for college, and though we didn’t…
