Katie Steedly’s first-person piece [The Unspeakable Gift] is a riveting retelling of her participation in a National Institutes of Health study that aided her quest to come to grips with her life of living with a rare genetic disorder. Her writing is superb.
In recognition of receiving the Dateline Award for the Washingtonian Magazine essay, The Unspeakable Gift.
Enter your email here to receive Weekly Wide-Awake
My First Pelvic Ultrasound: Reflecting on Love and Normalcy

My first pelvic ultrasound occurred when I was 37 at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). I was participating in a Turner Syndrome study, and it was a big deal for me. I knew the ultrasound had been prescribed to assess my health, not to evaluate the development of a baby (the typical reason for an ultrasound). Many friends had shared their ultrasound experiences with me over the years, and I had heard about how weird it was to have jelly rubbed all over your abdomen. I had seen pictures and had body parts pointed out. I had felt the absolute joy of soon-to-be parents seeing life develop. Ultrasounds are a normal part of pregnancy, and, even though I was not pregnant, this exam would be my chance to experience something “normal.” I felt like I was joining the club of women who do normal woman things, like have ultrasounds.
About Katie

From Louisville. Live in Atlanta. Curious by nature. Researcher by education. Writer by practice. Grateful heart by desire.
Buy the Book!
The Stage Is On Fire, a memoir about hope and change, reasons for voyaging, and dreams burning down can be purchased on Amazon.