Jessica Szulerowski

Why I'm fundraising

Neurofibromatosis. Hard to say. Hard to spell. Hard to live with. Neurofibromatosis, also known as NF can be described as a ticking time bomb. You never know what it will do, and you never know when it will go off. I was 16 when I was diagnosed with a brain stem tumor, and as a teenager getting ready to start the 11th grade, it was a big shot. Normally the MRIs were easy, but this time we heard the words “We want you to stay.” I had surgery that summer and 80% of the tumour was removed. I started Radiation treatment during the school year. I only missed two days of school, and still managed to attend all my drama rehearsals. The doctors even threw me a mini birthday party as I had to go in on my birthday. I now have Bi yearly MRIs to make sure that everything is okay, and right now everything is good. I take each day as they come, and try to work through the troubles NF has given me. I have learning disabilities, but I have managed to graduate University, and get my BA in English Literature and Media and Cultural Studies. I have also completed a Diploma in Library and information services. Thank you in advance for your generosity, it means a lot, and every cent...dollar raised is another step closer to finding a cure. Thank you again!