I first learned about NF1 when I was in 5th grade. I have a big café au lait spot on the left side of my face so my family and I just assumed it was a birth mark. One night, my face had swelled up and my mom was super worried. So we went to what felt like a million doctors and finally had an MRI done. After the MRI, the doctor called us for an emergency appointment to tell us I have NF1.
Living with NF has impacted my life in positive and negative ways. I’ve been bullied since I was younger but it’s built my confidence at the same time. It’s helped me realize that I’m special and I can use it to educate a lot of people. NF impacts my future in a very positive way; it’s helped me choose my career: I plan to be a neurosurgeon!
I stay motivated by making sure people are educated about NF (all three types of course). On Tuesdays, I go live on Instagram and answer questions and/or talk about my life with NF. I’ve met a few people on NF pages on Instagram so they join, too. We all have NF in different ways though, so it is exciting to hear their stories as well. I love encouraging others with NF to keep fighting and to not give up. Fighting NF has made me who I am today. I fight for what I want and for what I believe in, no matter what. I do not give up easy and I always keep my head up high.
QUICK TAKES
Motto
I’m happy when you’re happy.
Dream vacation
Paris, France
Superpower
Read Minds
