Posts by: Emily Wallis

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

October 22, 2020October 22, 2020

Living My Own Life as a Sanfilippo Sibling

Sanfilippo News Columns

You live with many fears when a family member is diagnosed with a terminal disease. However, there is a specific fear that comes with being the sibling: What if I ... Read more

September 23, 2020September 23, 2020

My Sister’s Sanfilippo Syndrome Makes Our Relationship Unique

Sanfilippo News Columns

Since moving out of my house and away from my sister, I’ve been more cognizant of making sure she knows I love her. It’s hard to know if she understands ... Read more

August 19, 2020August 19, 2020

When Do I Tell New Friends About My Sister’s Diagnosis?

Sanfilippo News Columns

It has always been relatively easy to make new friends. I take kindness very seriously, and I try to be as friendly as humanly possible. The hard part isn’t striking ... Read more

August 5, 2020August 6, 2020

Sanfilippo Syndrome Robs Me of Closure

Sanfilippo News Columns

I have an interesting relationship with my sister, Abby. Because she has special needs, our relationship has always been rocky. I often would become jealous of the extra attention she ... Read more

July 22, 2020July 22, 2020

It’s Time to Deal with My Anxiety

Sanfilippo News Columns

I’ve known for a long time that I have anxiety. For obvious reasons, it hit an all-time high when my mom was diagnosed with cancer and my sister with Sanfilippo ... Read more

June 17, 2020June 17, 2020

Feeling Guilty About Moving Away as a Sanfilippo Sibling

Sanfilippo News Columns

I recently accepted a teaching position out of town, and am moving into a new apartment this week. As exciting as this is, I can’t help but be sad about ... Read more

June 3, 2020June 3, 2020

Life Never Stops with Sanfilippo Syndrome

Sanfilippo News Columns

The current state of the world is difficult for everyone. I’ve thought a lot about my sister, Abby, my family, and other Sanfilippo families. It’s been the perfect time to ... Read more

May 20, 2020May 20, 2020

I Find Comfort in Believing Loss Can Bring Peace

Sanfilippo News Columns

I’ve experienced several defining moments in my life over the last five years. My mom was diagnosed with cancer in 2015 as my senior year of high school began. We ... Read more

February 26, 2020May 6, 2020

Finding the Unity in Disability

Sanfilippo News Columns

If I don’t have a topic in mind when it’s time to write a column, I read articles. I look into the lives of other siblings of special needs individuals, ... Read more

February 5, 2020May 6, 2020

Spending Quality Time with My Sister, Abby

Sanfilippo News Columns

I spent a lot of time with Abby a couple of weeks ago. Her caregiver was sick, so I knew I’d be spending several days with her. I had two ... Read more

January 22, 2020May 6, 2020

The Day I Broke Down and Sanfilippo Won

Sanfilippo News Columns

It’s been a while since I’ve had what I consider a “depressive episode.” I had one this week. Some may argue that feeling low for a few hours shouldn’t qualify ... Read more