ABSTRACT
In this chapter we offer narratives told by some of the members of a Mexican immigrant family in which two sisters and a brother all experience symptoms of a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. We analyze the effects of the symptoms on their daily lives and their abilities to fulfill their roles, goals, and dreams in spite of their physical limitations. While we consider the experiences of a mother and her three children, we focus mainly on Carlos, the family’s only son. As the sole male member and eldest child, he suffered a crisis of confidence as his symptoms intensified because he was no longer able to function as chief breadwinner. As a result of his inability to meet his own role expectations, he grew increasingly withdrawn from both his family and the larger society. Still, over time, he came to terms with his debilitating symptoms and began to create a new vision for his own and his family’s future.
