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.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…
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As I’ve grown more physically disabled with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), I’ve developed a new ability: knowing quickly how to address a stranger’s concerns about my disability. Whether it’s a curious child inquiring…
I’ve been living with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) since 2013, and I’ve been a mom since 2014. FA is progressively degenerative, and I’ve slowly become more disabled as my children have…
I recently wrote a column detailing my initial thoughts about the latest chapter in my Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) story: the process of accepting that I need to transition to a wheelchair. This…
The Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) transition I have dreaded for over a decade is approaching, and I am beyond overwhelmed. Despite my best efforts, adaptations, precautions, hopes, fears, and routines, I think the…
I’ve heard and read so much about the topic of fear, yet I still wrestle every day with my own fears related to Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). I fear for both my present and…
Like many Americans, I recently got caught up in the Netflix docuseries “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.” I love it for several reasons, but mostly because I’m from Texas and have a…
I’ve noticed that one-liner advice tends to stick with me, such as “Treat others how you want to be treated” or “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”…
As with most vacations, I knew I’d be in for a lot of walking when we took our children to Boston this summer. That meant I had to think about which mobility aid…
Stumbles, accidents, and falls come with the territory of many physical disabilities, especially ones like Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) that impair balance and coordination. Although my falls have become less frequent since I…
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