Diagnosis: Neuro Myelitis Optica (NMO)

Date of Diagnosis: 6/1/2013

VVF Scholarship: In-Home Nursing Services

What are you Facing, Embracing, Defying and Conquering? In 2013 I was diagnosed with Neuro Myelitis Optica (NMO), an auto immune disease, which left me paralyzed from my waist down and with limited function of my left hand.

How do you FACE it? I have learned to accept this as my new reality.

How do you EMBRACE it? I have accepted it for what it is and use the new me to better myself.

How do you DEFY it? I have since graduated with my bachelor’s degree and I am six months away from completing my master’s.

How do you CONQUER it? NMO does not define me, in the midst of the pain and paralysis I live my life as normal as possible doing as much as I can.

What does this scholarship from VVF mean to you? This scholarship from VVF is affording me the avenue for improving and living a better life.