Columns

How Sanfilippo Syndrome Has Shaped My Concept of Sisterhood

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…

Please Ask Me About My Child

People often don’t like talking about sad topics. They probably feel they lack adequate words. Most want to offer advice, or say something to make another person’s life better. But if you have experienced a sad event, you can’t avoid it. You wake up thinking about it, and it is…

My Faith Brought Me Comfort at a Turning Point in My Life

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…

My Daughter Has a Terminal Illness. Now What?

My daughter Abby was diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome almost two years ago. It took a while to live with the shock of the diagnosis. Not long before she was diagnosed, I received the news that I had cancer, so my family was already in “adaptation” mode. We had shifted to…

My Daughter’s Journey to a Diagnosis

My daughter Abby was 22 when she was diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome. We were devastated. Like any other significant event, things are now classified as “before” or “after” the diagnosis. Abby was somewhat self-sufficient as a child. She could eat by herself and get dressed with some assistance. She…