It was such a pleasure to chat with Tarryn Hoff about living with neurofibromatosis (NF) and my journey as an amputee.
NF is a genetic condition present from birth that causes tumors to develop on nerve tissue. These tumors can appear anywhere in the body—on the brain, spine, or skin. Living with NF brings a unique set of challenges, including chronic pain, learning difficulties, and physical changes that affect not only daily life but also emotional well-being.
On May 15, 1975, when I was just 13, because of NF, I underwent a below-the-knee amputation on my left leg. Like many in the NF community, I’ve also faced seizures—another layer of complexity that comes with this condition.
But challenges present opportunities. Understanding this is where easy living begins.
Thank you, Tarryn, for a thoughtful and meaningful conversation. It’s these exchanges that make sharing our stories so valuable. To anyone reading who has NF or is navigating life as an amputee, know that you’re not alone, and there’s always strength to be found in connection and understanding.
Leave a Reply