The story of Kate

Hi, I am Kate, and I am 18 years old. Until I was 6 months, my parents thought that I am healthy pretty girl. But before I was 6 months, my parents noticed, that I have many birthmarks. After they took me to the doctor, I was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis type 1, NF1 for short. That day, my battle started.

I have NF because my mum has NF too, but I don’t know, if she known that before I was born. Luckily my younger sister doesn’t have NF, so I am so happy for that.

I’m lucky, that I have mild case of NF1. I have only many birthmarks, scoliosis, Lisch nodules and many freckles on my body. I have also sometimes trouble with learning and with concentration, but I am trying to improve it. Last years, I have problems with socializing and problem to talk in front of many people, I was a big extrovert, but NF and I think COVID my confident to talk with people.

Although I have NF, I am trying to live my normal life and hope, that everything in the future will be OK. I hope, that one day, there will be cure for NF or for other rare diseases.