I have been through many health challenges in my life. I was born with a genetic disorder called Neurofibromatosis type 1. I’ve developed neurofibromas that started off small and became big and painful enough that I have had multiple surgeries through the years. I have brown café au lait spots all over my body and when I was in elementary school, I was diagnosed with a learning disability in Math. Two years ago, I was also diagnosed with Scoliosis, which is a condition that NF patients have a greater chance of developing. My doctors noticed that my curve was getting worse and I had to meet with an orthopedic surgeon to discuss spinal fusion surgery. This would be major surgery, and the healing process would take several months - I wouldn’t be able to work out at the gym or play sports until I fully healed. I would also have to stay in the hospital for a week after surgery, which was the longest time I had ever spent in the hospital. Despite my disabilities, I am a very active person. I play sports and I work out at the gym all the time. As head cameraman for my high school’s Broadcast Club, I film sports games throughout the year, and I need to move around a lot. I was worried that if I had the surgery, I wouldn’t be able to do those things again. But I didn’t want to have back pain for the rest of my life. After a lot of thought, I decided to go through with two surgeries on the same day – spinal fusion and the removal of a painful neurofibroma on my lip. I experienced a lot of pain while I recovered in the hospital. When I got home, everything hurt. It was hard to even move or sleep. To get better, I went for walks even when it was uncomfortable to build up my strength. I had to find the strength to walk up the stairs again. When school started, it took me longer to walk to my classes. I didn’t like the feeling of not being able to do things. I started going to physical therapy and I worked on my exercises at home. After showing progress, my therapist said I could go back to the gym. Even though I can’t lift the same, run full out or jump the way I used to, I know if I keep working, I will be able to do it all again one day. My life experiences with NF, Scoliosis and a learning disability have taught me a lot. I appreciate the uniqueness of my body – tumors, café au lait spots and even pain. I’m a stronger person mentally and physically. I do my best in school and understand I learn some things differently. I’ve learned to advocate for myself and trust my instincts. I don’t give up when something is hard. Instead, I keep pushing myself to meet my goals and I accept myself for who I am. I always wanted to go to college. I will major in Media Production and continue to film sports games. After graduation, I want to work as a cameraman for a professional sports team. Although my disabilities are part of me, they don’t define me. I know there is no limit to what I can accomplish if I keep working hard, set goals and have the right supports to help me! Thank you for considering me for the Dylan's Journey Memorial Scholarship. If I am selected, I promise to make you proud!