I was first diagnosed at 6 months old at the University of Iowa Hospital. I was diagnosed based on the several café au lait spots on
my stomach. Early in life, curious classmates asked questions about the bump on my forehead or the freckles on my body. It took a lot of strength to not let those comments hurt my feelings. I attribute this strength from my parents. They did an amazing job raising me. They never let my NF1 diagnosis define me. It was part of me, yes, but it wasn’t all of me. They always made sure that I knew that NF doesn’t make me who I am. All of my traits – my empathy, kindness, intelligence, and my sense of humor isn’t because of NF. NF is just one of my many traits.
Living with NF, I knew that I was lucky. I have it mild; I, fortunately, am one of those without any learning challenges. My growths have stayed relatively small and haven’t completely impacted my day-to-day. That does not mean it’s been easy. The hardest part about living with NF is battling the daily pain caused by my tumors. I, unfortunately, had to stop playing the sports I loved due to one larger growth on my ankle.
NF will affect the way I look at having kids. I yearn to be a mother – I know I am meant to be one. However, it is daunting to think about possibly passing NF on since severity is not inherited, unfortunately.
There have been two (defining) moments in my journey. The first was when I graduated with my degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Kentucky in 2019. The second is when I married the love of my life (and former physics lab partner), Dan, in 2023. I defied some of the odds set against me and achieved my goals!
I am a chemical engineer for Bath & Body Works (it’s my dream job!). I love to cook, spend time with my family and friends, travel (and collect magnets from each place!), take walks with my husband and my puppy, Mulligan, and try new restaurants!
Favorite Song
Dear John by Taylor Swift
Dream Superpower
Teleportation!
Favorite Food
I love all cuisines! But specifically, I love a NY-style pizza with vodka sauce
Fun Fact
I have a Portuguese water dog named Mulligan!
