Informing Children About Friedreich’s Ataxia
They say there is no parenting handbook. There is no universal system or code that can set you up for foolproof success in raising your children to be confident and competent adults. As the…
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.
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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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Feeling the 7-Year Itch With Friedreich’s Ataxia
I was diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) on Aug. 19, 2013. Before that day, I had never even heard of FA, let alone expected to think about this progressive, degenerative, life-shortening disease…
Finding the Ideal Life Partner
When I was a young girl making a list of my “dream guy” qualities, it was probably like everyone else’s. I wanted him to be kind, handsome, smart, funny, nice to his family,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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.
