What Friedreich’s Ataxia and Motherhood Have Taught Me
When Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) came into my life in 2013, I thought all the hopes and dreams I’d held would be wiped out. I planned on being a fun and adventurous wife and,…
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
Even when things aren’t perfect, there is still joy
I’m a firm believer that life should be celebrated. I love decorating the house for holidays, birthdays, the first or last day of school, and anything else that provides my family with an excuse…
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Recalculating the Path of My Life with Friedreich’s Ataxia
If life with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) were charted through a GPS navigation system, it would constantly say “recalculating.” The relentlessly progressive nature of this disease affects all areas of my life, both expectedly…
I No Longer Let Fear of the Future Control My Life With FA
The first thing I experienced after my Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) diagnosis in 2013 was fear for my future. I remember reading words like “wheelchair-bound,” “terminal,” and “average life expectancy of 35.” That meant I…
Boldly Moving Forward, Even With Friedreich’s Ataxia
Last weekend, I had an old experience in my new, disabled body. I went to a wedding. Most of my friends are in the “married and having babies” phase of life, so I haven’t…
Friedreich’s Ataxia Forces Me to Be a Spectator Mom
A big part of my experience as a late-onset Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) patient is the disease’s impact on my role as a mom. My life is action-packed from the minute my busy 6-year-old son…
Learning to Grow Through What I Go Through With FA
A few weeks ago, I fell and fractured my foot. The recovery process, thankfully, hasn’t been too painful. It has, however, been unexpectedly emotional. The truth is, I am not at all surprised…
Taking Another Friedreich’s Ataxia Setback in Stride
Despite using a walker 24/7, taking my clinical trial study treatment daily, getting ample rest, going to physical therapy weekly, working out daily, maintaining a balanced diet, and making safety modifications around my house,…
I Overcame My Hesitancy to Use Mobility Aids, and You Can, Too
One of the most emotional and heartbreaking obstacles to overcome with a progressively degenerative disease like Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is the use of mobility aids. I know the struggles firsthand because I’ve been entirely…
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…
