“My nine-year-old daughter, Mariah, was diagnosed with NF1 at the age of six months. She has a plexiform tumor in her cheek that affects her upper and lower gums and impacts the growth of her teeth. She had surgery to debulk the tumor, but it grew back. She also has a renal artery aneurysm, stage 2 kidney disease, and high blood pressure. In addition Mariah has learning disabilities, anxiety issues, and fine and gross motor skill delays.
“Despite all of these challenges, Mariah has a great attitude and a beautiful spirit. She loves fundraising for the Children’s Tumor Foundation and traveling all over Virginia for gatherings with other NF families. She is also very involved in helping me organize the Richmond NF Walk every year.
“Mariah has such a kind heart, one of the kindest I have ever known (and I’m not just saying that because I’m her mother). She loves interacting with the autistic children in her school, and she helps kids that get bullied for she is sometimes a victim of such behavior and has learned to stand up for herself.
“Mariah’s favorite subject in school is reading and she loves the book Smile by Raina Teliagram. Her favorite activity is swimming, her favorite food is crab legs, and her favorite TV show is “Full House”.
“I couldn’t be more proud of my amazing daughter. Mariah is definitely her mama’s hero.”
Teresa Williams, Mariah’s mother
