I was diagnosed with NF1 when I was 3 months old. When I was 3 years old, I had to get a right renal artery stenosis repair. It was so bad, I was the youngest patient they ever worked on. They wanted to wait until I was 5, but I would’ve died if they did.

I have hypertension, and an optic glioma. I was 3 1/2 when I found out that I had the brain tumor. I am socially 3 years behind, but that does not keep me from doing whatever I set my mind to.

For the past 4 years, by brain tumor has been shrinking on its own, along with the other tumors on my body. Once I quit dairy and red meat, and started following a vegan diet, my fibomas have gone down in size. I give all glory to God.

I don’t play football, though I wish I could, but I really enjoy track and playing baseball with my friends. Having NF doesn’t impact any plans for my future; I want to become a neurosurgeon so I can help people who desperately need the help.

I am 15 and in the 10th grade. Hanging out with my friends makes me happy, as does playing two-hand touch football and running with them. And writing in my free time makes me happy too. I am writing my first book titled All Alone in the Deadly Swamp; I also plan to write a short book titled Living a Positive Life with Neurofibromatosis. My main goal is to reach audiences like me, and to encourage them and to persevere. Because it can only get better!

QUICK TAKES

Favorite song
Because We Believe by Andrea Bocelli

Dream vacation
Paris, France

Superpower
Power of healing