Stories of NF: Eliana P.

When I was one year old, my parents noticed I had many cafe au lait spots. They took me to a doctor who said that it was possible that I had NF, but wouldn’t be sure until I was older. When I was 6 years old, we discovered nodules in my eyes. Then we were certain I had NF1.

Since I don’t have any other NF signs, I only go to the NF specialist once a year and an eye checkup one a year, as well. Recently, I had my first MRI because I was asked to do it before joining the army. (I plan to join the IDF because all citizens in Israel are required to serve.)

Since I’m the only one in my family with NF, a lot of the fundraising and awareness is my job. I found ctf.org on my own and, as I’ve grown older, I’ve felt more of a connection to NF and more curiosity about it. I am hoping to start a fundraiser in Israel (since there aren’t any) hopefully with the help of my youth movement. I want people to be aware of what NF is and even that I, someone who shows no clear, outward signs of it, has NF and wants to find a cure.

I am a counselor in the Israeli scouts. I love running and surfing. I feel that music is a great way to express myself so I love playing the guitar, ukulele and singing. I have a dog named Luna and my family always takes her in hikes. I want to be a vet; I have a strong connection with animals and feel as though I can understand them.