When Friedreich’s Ataxia Gives Me the Disabled Blues
Last week, my husband and I decided it was time for a change of scenery from our COVID-19 quarantine in Austin, Texas, and we rented a beach house on the coast for a week. We had worked out…
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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Is the Grass Greener Without Friedreich’s Ataxia?
I keep thinking about the saying “the grass is always greener on the other side.” This is usually thrown around when you wish for something. We get it set in our minds that if we could just cross the…
Maintaining Abilities With Friedreich’s Ataxia
With Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), I am used to the reality that my abilities are progressively deteriorating. I am losing coordination, dexterity, cellular energy, and strength every single day. I am all too aware of the ticking clock that…
I’ve Chosen to Be Intentionally Courageous
Friederich’s ataxia (FA) has taught me a lot about intentionality. As an FA patient, I must be intentional both physically and emotionally to function at the capacity I desire. I used to take my physical abilities for granted…
Battling ‘Mobility Envy’ as My FA Symptoms Progress
Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a cruel, degenerative genetic disease that attacks the central nervous system and deteriorates muscle coordination, strength, energy, and dexterity. It steals motor skills, making FA patients progressively more disabled. As an FA patient working…
Seizing What I Can from Life
Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a progressively degenerative neurological disease. It targets almost every aspect of my body, especially coordination, balance, dexterity, and energy. My abilities are slowly diminishing, and my energy is constantly draining. With no approved treatments or…
Growing Bigger Than Friedreich’s Ataxia
People respond to adversity in many different ways. You can rise to the challenge or crumble under its weight. You can push through or bail. Sometimes, you have to pick your battles and know when to fight or when…
Behind Closed Doors: Why I Share the Reality of FA
I am an open book about most areas of my life. I’ll answer just about any question I am asked, even questions about my Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). FA is a rare, progressive, degenerative neuromuscular disease that few…
How I’ve Adapted to Being Disabled in an Able-bodied World
Before I developed symptoms and then was diagnosed at 25 with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), a progressive and degenerative disease, I was healthy, active, and able. Since my symptoms progressed, I no longer am “able,” at least not…
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