San Filippo News Columns

July 10, 2020July 10, 2020

Caregivers Should Take Time to Restore and Renew

The role of caregiver is a sacred responsibility. Caring for someone whose well-being rests solely upon you is an incredibly meaningful job. And it is a necessity, as there will ... Read more

June 17, 2020June 17, 2020

Feeling Guilty About Moving Away as a Sanfilippo Sibling

San Filippo 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 12, 2020June 12, 2020

When Pushing Forward Is the Only Direction to Go

San Filippo News Columns

Loss is a theme that persistently has occupied my thoughts lately, not only because of current events in the world, but also because of my personal life. At 24, my ... Read more

June 3, 2020June 3, 2020

Life Never Stops with Sanfilippo Syndrome

San Filippo 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

San Filippo 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

May 15, 2020May 15, 2020

Why I’m Feeling Numb

COVID-19 Columns, San Filippo News Columns

Do you ever feel like you are walking through life with no emotion? Getting up each day, going through your routine, but with little emotion attached to any part of ... Read more

February 26, 2020May 6, 2020

Finding the Unity in Disability

San Filippo 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 21, 2020May 6, 2020

Helping My Terminally Ill Daughter Maintain a High Quality of Life

San Filippo News Columns

My daughter Abby has a terminal illness called Sanfilippo syndrome. This condition has stolen so much of Abby from our family. Witnessing her decline is extremely hard. It is difficult ... Read more

February 7, 2020May 6, 2020

Thank You for the Kind Words, but I Am Not a Hero

San Filippo News Columns

I am raising a terminally ill child, my daughter, Abby. This has caused many to call me a hero, warrior, or fighter, among other things. While these are flattering terms ... Read more

February 5, 2020May 6, 2020

Spending Quality Time with My Sister, Abby

San Filippo 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

San Filippo 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