Acknowledging the Anniversary of My Diagnosis
Historically, Aug. 19 is a hard day for me. That’s the day in 2013 when I was blindsided by a Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) diagnosis. My emotional journey of advocating for myself to find answers…
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
Happy 7th anniversary to ‘My Darling Disability’
This week marks the seventh anniversary of writing for Friedreich’s Ataxia News under the banner of “My Darling Disability.” I’m humbled by the thought that my words have impacted even one life in the…
Read more
Feeling Like a Burden on Vacation Because of My Disability
Last week, my family and I went to the beach with our neighbors for a fun end-of-summer getaway. We stayed in a precious beachside rental that had a room full of bunk beds for…
Slow and Steady Doesn’t Always Win the Race
One of the most frustrating effects of the progression of my Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) symptoms is how slow I’ve become lately. Physically, I do everything more slowly. Not only am I slower than I…
Navigating Hope and Worry With Friedreich’s Ataxia
The word “hope” has been woven through many of my conversations lately, especially in the last week. I’m participating in a clinical trial, and I had my first in-person visit in nearly two…
What My Recumbent Trike Means To Me
As a Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) patient, my options for exercise are limited. I can’t go to kickboxing or step classes with my friends, and I can’t go for a run or a hike. While…
A Letter to My Newly Diagnosed Self
Dear 2013 Kendall, Your world was just rocked and turned upside down. I know you feel like your future is an impossibility now that Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) has clouded your blue skies. I am…
Deciding to Conserve Energy Rather Than Embracing the Moment Is Challenging
While Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a physical disease that happens to my body, I have noticed that my physical symptoms affect my mental outlook on life. I have always been the type of person…
This 4th of July, I’m Redefining My Independence From FA
As the Fourth of July approaches, I’m thinking about the word “independence” a lot. At 32, my independence looks different than I’d once imagined. As a Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) patient, my body is…
Reminding Myself to Appreciate My Mobility Aid
As a Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) patient well along in my symptom progression, I have a strained and emotional relationship with my mobility. Over the last three or so years, that same internal struggle…
