Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

June 18, 2021June 18, 2021

Even When My Intentions Are Good, Sometimes I Still Get It Wrong

Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

Welcome! Pull up a chair and pour yourself a glass of something nice and refreshing. You deserve some time to rest and reflect on what you need today. As a ... Read more

June 17, 2021June 17, 2021

Love Is the Consistent Remedy for My Friedreich’s Ataxia Blues

Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

Life with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) requires constant adjustment and acceptance. I have to adjust to new symptoms regularly, whether they are temporary, like extra fatigue during a particularly busy season, ... Read more

June 15, 2021June 15, 2021

How Reflecting on My Life Increases Urgency For Me

Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

Life is more fragile than I sometimes realize. This is true for everyone, rare disease or not. Most days, I feel invincible and think about the next 40 years of ... Read more

June 10, 2021June 10, 2021

When a Realist Explains Friedreich’s Ataxia to Optimists and Pessimists

Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

I greatly admire people with an optimistic outlook on life, those who see the best possible outcome in all situations, point out silver linings during hard times, and encourage disheartened ... Read more

June 3, 2021June 3, 2021

Sometimes Anniversaries Are Tough to Celebrate With Friedreich’s Ataxia

Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

I’m a big fan of holidays, parties, and any other reason to be festive. I love celebrating birthdays, beginnings and ends, milestones, anniversaries, and everything in between. I enjoy celebrations ... Read more

June 2, 2021June 2, 2021

I’ve Found a Place I Belong at Unique Fitness

Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

“You ready to get crazy?” Damon Vincent, both the founder of this gym and my personal trainer, greeted me the same way he normally does before my workouts. Sometimes he ... Read more

June 1, 2021June 1, 2021

Advocacy Does Not Require a Megaphone

Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

Advocacy seems to be taking on a new meaning for me as the years pass and I become more comfortable in my own body. In addition to increased confidence in ... Read more

May 27, 2021May 27, 2021

My Idea of ‘Normal’ Is Skewed by Friedreich’s Ataxia

Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

The other day, I experienced a strange moment. As usual, at the end of my son’s baseball game, I had to just sit there waiting for help while everyone around ... Read more

May 21, 2021May 21, 2021

Finding Ways to Celebrate, Even When Life Is Challenging

Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

Hello, friends, old and new! Spring is coming to a close, and the days are getting longer and hotter down here in Alabama. I hope that you have some time ... Read more

May 20, 2021May 20, 2021

Heading Into an Uncharted Season With Friedreich’s Ataxia

COVID-19 Columns, Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

This week marks the end of the school year for many schools in my area, and therefore, the beginning of summer. I was recently chatting with a large group of ... Read more

May 19, 2021May 19, 2021

The First Time Someone Called Me a ‘Cripple’

Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

The importance of words may be obvious to most, but I am gradually learning that lesson. The first time the power and weight of words struck me was the first ... Read more

May 18, 2021May 18, 2021

The ‘Default Mode’ Is Not the Only Option

COVID-19 Columns, Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

“Are you living by design or by default?” My friend asked me this while we were catching up over dinner after local restaurants started serving on outdoor patios again. My ... Read more

May 13, 2021May 13, 2021

I’m Handling My FA Progression by Making Intentional Accommodations

Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

As my Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) has progressed, I’ve had to make adjustments to accommodate new symptoms. Since my 2013 diagnosis, I’ve had to intentionally account for countless modifications every day ... Read more

May 10, 2021May 10, 2021

I’ve Found Protein Powder Helpful in Managing My Daily Diet

Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

Protein is necessary for the human body to stay healthy and function properly, regardless of whether you work out or not. According to the American Council on Exercise, “Protein is ... Read more

May 6, 2021May 6, 2021

Overcoming Mother’s Day Guilt as a Mom With Friedreich’s Ataxia

Friedreich’s Ataxia News Columns

As Mother’s Day approaches, I can’t help but pause to reflect on what this holiday means to me. I love celebrating my mother. Not only did she give me life, ... Read more