One United Force

By: Tracy Draper

As I sat in a large conference room in a Las Vegas hotel, I surveyed the room looking at many faces that I had never seen before — faces that I could have met in the grocery store, or on an airplane, but would have had no connection with before now. There were people of all ages. Some faces were pleasant and smiling; others were heavy and obviously burdened with concern. Some faces showed joy despite uncertain circumstances; others expressed happiness just to all be together.  However, in the midst of 100 individuals listening to the presenters explain the challenges of NF, I saw it very clearly – the one aspect that we all had come to learn about: the many faces of neurofibromatosis.

There were young professionals, middle-aged parents, wise physicians, ordinary individuals, and others with and without a direct touch to NF in the room.  We were a beautiful assortment of people; a group united because of a disorder that has come to cause such disorder in our lives.

We were encouraged as we formed smaller groups by geographic region, providing time to get to know each other better. We ate together. Some cried together. We learned together.  New friendships formed.  Many had only met via phone or social networking.  By the last day, however, we had even walked together along the streets of Las Vegas  and experienced a surprise visit from Elvis.  After spending hours in conference rooms, dining facilities and yes, even the casinos, we all became a part of the bigger NF family.

Clearly, we all were there for one cause.  While there are many faces to neurofibromatosis and its progressive effects on so many lives, the best and most beautiful one that we took home is this:  the shared face of hope.

Let us continue walking toward the goal of the cure so that we will see an end to NF as we know it.

Keep hope alive!

Tracy Draper is the team captain coordinator for the NF Endurance team.

Watch the slideshow below to see some of Tracy’s photos: