Emily Wallis,  —

Earlier this year, I wrote a post called “Special Sisters.” For this week’s column, I want to expand on some of the things I said about my special relationship with my sister, Abby. Growing up with a special-needs sibling, as I’ve mentioned previously, was (and is) difficult. It’s easy…

I have had many turning points in my life. I often divide my existence into “before” and “after” my mom’s and sister’s diagnoses, but I experienced another transformation after those milestones. Following the first diagnosis, my mom’s cancer went into remission, but the threat of metastasis loomed. I looked at…

No two diagnosis days are the same. The day the phone rings with news of a diagnosis hits everyone differently, even among members of the same family. I remember feeling two distinct emotions on my family’s diagnosis day. The clearest thing I remember is overwhelming guilt. It sat on my…

Hi! My name is Emily Wallis. Thanks for checking out my column. I’m excited about the opportunity to provide a window into my life as a Sanfilippo sibling. It’s a perspective that deserves attention, as we have many invisible struggles that are rarely discussed. One significant aspect of Sanfilippo…