My Journey to a Friedreich’s Ataxia Diagnosis, Part 3
Third and final in a series. In a previous column, I discussed the tests I underwent to diagnose Friedreich’s ataxia. “Kendall, I was afraid that this might be the case: You…
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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My Journey to a Friedreich’s Ataxia Diagnosis, Part 2
Second in a series. In a previous column, I discussed my active childhood and early signs that something wasn’t right. As the evidence began to pile up, I started to accept…
My Journey to a Friedreich’s Ataxia Diagnosis, Part 1
First in a series. From the time we are toddlers, we start dreaming about the future. We want to be firefighters, teachers, rock stars, race car drivers, or in my case, a…
I’ve Adopted the Concept of ‘Besides FA’
I recently began participating in a 48-week, Phase 2 clinical trial for Friedreich’s ataxia. The way I understand it, the study’s investigational treatment is designed to make the cells in my body…
New to Friedreich’s Ataxia?
The first time I ever heard of Friedreich’s ataxia was the day I was diagnosed with the disease in 2013 at the age of 25. To say I was in shock is an…
I’m Not Yet Sure How to Fight My Fatigue
Friedreich’s ataxia causes a wide array of symptoms. Every FA patient experiences the disease differently. For me, fatigue is a major symptom. Before I experienced FA, I thought I understood what “fatigued”…
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…
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…
