Posts by: Emily Wallis

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

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