Seasons of Life with Friedreich’s Ataxia
Since my 2013 Friedreich’s ataxia diagnosis, the condition has consumed a part of every day. I was prepared for the physical changes that would come with FA, but the mental…
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
Accepting my reality with FA while striving for a better future
So much of living with a progressive, lifelong disease like Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is mentally processing and accepting the physical changes it brings. But with the widespread degeneration of my body and the…
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The Emotional Workout of Physical Therapy
In Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) care, we don’t really have treatment options. There are clinical trials taking place to work on treatments and hopefully one day, a cure. But until then, we are…
My Big (Literal) Break
Editor’s note: This post includes images of a bone break that may be disturbing to readers. For some time now, I’ve needed to use a walker (or another mobility aid). My physical…
Fight or Flight in FA Patients
Almost everyone can point to moments in their lives dictated by the choice: fight or flight. By definition, the fight-or-flight response is a physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event, attack,…
What rideATAXIA Means to Me
Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a big, overwhelming disease. And with it being so rare, it can feel very isolating. My immediate family and I had never even heard of FA until my diagnosis in…
Dealing with Progression
As my Friedreich’s ataxia symptoms progress, so do my feelings and emotions about this complex disease. When diagnosed, I accepted it pretty quickly. I obviously knew that something was wrong with me, so defining…
Friedreich’s Ataxia and Marriage: Dealing with the Diagnosis
When I met my husband Kyle in high school at the age of 16, everything was perfect. We were perfect. We were madly in love with limitless possibilities ahead of us. The world was…
Pregnancy and Friedreich’s Ataxia
When diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) at the age of 25, I was devastated. I thought I would have really poor quality of life and that all of the plans I had for my…
An Introduction to My Darling Disability
My name is Kendall and I was diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) at the age of 25. I grew up in Katy, Texas, where my childhood was quite happy. I was always very active, participating in…
