Stories of NF: Nicole W.

“I was diagnosed when I was about 18 months old. A nurse recognized the cafe au lait spots and recommended my parents bring me to a neurologist.

“NF has triggered severe chronic migraines for most of my life. I missed many days of school because of the migraines and I feared I wouldn’t be able to work due to them. I worked up the courage to try working when I was old enough and found that I was able to do it despite the migraines; in fact, I began having migraines less often after I stopped letting them hold me back.

“My family has always supported me and cared for me through all the issues that have come from living with NF. They have been by my side through every appointment and MRI. They encouraged me to keep going and gave me the help I needed in school when they found that I had a learning disability. Studying, homework and schoolwork was difficult because of the near-constant migraines, but I was still able to excel in school and learn to compensate for the issues dyslexia and migraines had caused.

“As a teenager, I met the man I went on to marry. Despite my many cafe au lait spots, he still called me beautiful and built me up. He comforted me when I was in pain and helped me to grow stronger and more confident.

“I am a teacher at a daycare. I work with mostly with the children aged 5 to 12 years old, but I do get to spend time with the younger children on some days. I love getting hugs from children and playing silly games with them. I love when the children call my name to say hello or goodbye. I love seeing children learn and grow; laughing and smiling; singing and dancing.
I also enjoy going to the gym and doing classes such a Zumba and Yoga. At home, I enjoy watching our favorite TV shows with my husband.

“Fighting NF has taught me that NF does not control me. I had to push past the fears and ‘just go for it’. The fear of NF was greater than the damage it caused. I found that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to as long as I put forth the effort.”