Posts by: Emily Wallis

Emily Wallis

July 18, 2022July 18, 2022

For Many Sanfilippo Families, Summer Is Emotionally Challenging

I’m a teacher, so the word “summer” invokes thoughts of relaxation and letting go of responsibilities. During summertime, many people take advantage of the time off and go on vacation ... Read more

April 18, 2022April 18, 2022

When I Think of My Family, I Often Worry

Sanfilippo News Columns

I have always struggled with anxiety. I have also always been close to my family. When my sister, Abby, was diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome — a terminal illness with no ... Read more

April 18, 2022June 22, 2022

When I Think of My Family, I Often Worry

Sanfilippo News Columns

I have always struggled with anxiety. I have also always been close to my family. When my sister, Abby, was diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome — a terminal illness with no ... Read more

March 14, 2022June 22, 2022

Emotional Nights at Home With My Sister

Sanfilippo News Columns

Since I moved out of my parents’ house, I love coming home on the weekends. I get so excited driving home and thinking about spending much-needed time with my family. ... Read more

March 14, 2022March 14, 2022

Emotional Nights at Home With My Sister

Sanfilippo News Columns

Since I moved out of my parents’ house, I love coming home on the weekends. I get so excited driving home and thinking about spending much-needed time with my family. ... Read more

December 13, 2021December 13, 2021

Remembering the Holidays Before Sanfilippo

Sanfilippo News Columns

The holidays can be a difficult time for me. My sister, Abby, was diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome four years ago, and since then, I find my heart pulled in two ... Read more

November 15, 2021November 15, 2021

Am I a Carrier for Sanfilippo Syndrome?

Sanfilippo News Columns

I received a package in the mail last week. It was a test that I will be able to take and send to a lab to find out if I ... Read more

September 27, 2021September 27, 2021

Channeling My Resentment Toward My Sister’s Disease

Sanfilippo News Columns

In my previous column, I discussed the importance of finding a balance between all of the emotions that come with being a Sanfilippo sibling. There are so many ups and ... Read more

September 13, 2021September 13, 2021

Finding Balance Among My Many Emotions

Sanfilippo News Columns

As a Sanfilippo sibling, I experience many emotions every day. Each feels like a weight on my shoulders, and it takes a balanced mindset to juggle all of them. This ... Read more

August 16, 2021August 16, 2021

My Sister Can’t Verbally Communicate, but Her Eyes Tell a Story

Sanfilippo News Columns

The photo below is one of my favorites of my sister and me. It was taken at my grandparents’ house several years ago, and it often brings me comfort because ... Read more

July 26, 2021July 26, 2021

One Drop Can Make an Impact: The Importance of Spreading Awareness

Sanfilippo News Columns

My favorite animals are sharks. They’ve always fascinated me. An interesting fact I’ve learned is that sharks can smell blood in very small concentrations in water — as low as ... Read more

June 14, 2021June 14, 2021

Sanfilippo Families Are in This Fight Together

Sanfilippo News Columns

It’s important in all aspects of life to find your people. For example, I have my teacher friends, my college friends, and now, we have our Sanfilippo warriors. When someone ... Read more

May 17, 2021May 17, 2021

Learning to Find Joy in Life as a Sanfilippo Sibling

Sanfilippo News Columns

The four years since my sister, Abby, was diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome have been a journey, to say the least. She has lost most of her speech and will continue ... Read more

April 26, 2021April 26, 2021

My Role as a Sanfilippo Sibling Includes Spreading Awareness

Sanfilippo News Columns

My sister Abby has a rare, neurodegenerative disease called Sanfilippo syndrome. She was diagnosed in 2017, and life hasn’t been the same since. I’ve spent considerable time reflecting on my ... Read more

December 2, 2020December 2, 2020

Grief Is an Unwelcome Visitor During the Holidays

Sanfilippo News Columns

This year’s Thanksgiving was difficult. I lost my grandmother in March, so grief overshadowed a lot of the gratitude that should be at the forefront of this holiday for me. ... Read more