Rhonda's Story:

Submitted: October 10, 1999

Dear Carol,
 

Hi my name is Rhonda and I am 35 and I am one of three in my family who have NF, my mother and brother also have this condition. I am married to a wonderful husband who accepts me as I am and is very supportive. I am new to the internet and I can't tell you how much it means to me that this site is available. I want to talk to as many people as possible so I can lend support, and receive support as well. I was diagnosed when I was 15 and at the time my mother was not coping very well with the fact that she passed this condition on to me. As a result I spent from the age of 15 to 20 with my mother in total silence, unable to talk to me about this condition. At the age of 20 she finally decided in a big way to come out of the closet sort of speak and did an article in our local newspaper. This step led to many other articles and our appearance on a Toronto talk show station. That was a good experience and we were able to reach many people who then contacted our Toronto support group. At this time in my life my tumors appear to be growing rapidly leaving me depressed and afraid of my future however I know there are worse things in life I could be faced with. I am blessed to have such a wonderful husband and friends and I am determined to find the blessings in life and to live life to the fullest. I could go on forever but for now I will say good-bye and say thank-you for providing me with this site. I am looking forward to hearing from others and will reply to all who write.

God Bless,
Rhonda

P.S. Please put my e-mail number on my story vicnrhondo@execulink.com

Rhonda / Added April 2000