Gearing up for my 10th rideATAXIA event brings conflicting feelings
Last weekend, I did something for the 10th time that I never imagined doing even once. I signed up Team Kendall for the annual fundraising event rideATAXIA in the hopes that I can…
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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Identifying and addressing your own needs is vital in life with FA
Being able to recognize your needs is a big sign of maturity. As a parent, I’ve had a front-row seat as my two young children, who have very different personalities, learn to recognize when…
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How I’m navigating obstacles that postpone my joy
Scrolling through Instagram recently, I was left teary-eyed and introspective when I happened upon one particular reel. It features an oft-used voice-over of a sweet older woman talking, set to pictures and…
Why perseverance is important in life with Friedreich’s ataxia
I have yet to find the secret to living a life where I wake up every morning rejuvenated, motivated, perfectly calibrated, and ready to tackle my day with gusto. I don’t think anyone has,…
Shades of gray: What it’s like to have an ambulatory disability
When I was young and, frankly, naive, I had a lot of misconceptions about people with disabilities. I thought that the only people who used walkers were senior citizens or those recovering from leg…
How I’m feeling as I approach the 10th anniversary of my FA diagnosis
As I approach the 10th anniversary of my Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) diagnosis, I’m struck by an explosion of complicated and contradictory feelings. In August 2013, when I learned that the poor balance,…
How I adjust to my summer 2023 body
Summer is in full swing for my family. My daughter, Collins, 6, and my son, Brooks, 8, finished school the last week of May, and it’s been nonstop chaos ever since. With camps, trips,…
Include intentionality and kindness in all of your interactions
Living in a disabled body in a predominantly able-bodied world is a rare experience that, frankly, I never anticipated having. Especially in my 30s. But thanks to my progressing Friedreich’s ataxia symptoms, it’s…
I’ve been on Skyclarys for nearly 5 years. Here are my thoughts.
Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with Skyclarys (omaveloxolone). Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. When I was diagnosed…
A typical day in my life with Friedreich’s ataxia
When I was diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), my greatest worry was how it would affect my future. What would living with a disability look like? What would FA add to my…
