Ready or Not...Here I come!

When I was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis, I remember the sensation of knowing that there was something inside of me that was doing harm to my body. It was like the NF became its own living entity, the monster hiding under the bed. In fact, for a few days, it was all I could think about as I got my mind around what this meant for me, my family, and our future.


One of my friends said to me, “Sure, you have NF inside your body, but you also have Christ.” I will never forget those words. They were simple, to the point, and incredibly true. To know that whatever we are facing inside our bodies, or our lives, God is right there living in us, too, ready to protect and care for us from the inside out.


It has taken me a long time to accept the reality of NF, and to stop hiding from the very obvious symptoms.  I, in fact found a lot of comfort in my hiding, but came to realize, that it was not doing anybody any good.  If I wanted to live a full and happy life, I had to face my issues head on.


Disease and illness may permeate our bodies, but God promises that they cannot permeate our souls and spirits unless we let them.  Fear is the enemy of hope and the opposite of faith...What are YOU living with?

Happy Thanksgiving

November brings us the simple reminder that thankfulness is truly the kind of spirit we are to have, and this thankfulness will be more meaningful when we are both thankful to those around us, as well as our God above us.


Thank you to my friends and family for your support and love!

A Lesson in Humbleness-Thriving with Neurofibromatosis

While on our vacation at Give Kids the World, I met a few wonderful families who have children that are suffering extremely debilitating conditions.

It was both hard and inspiring watching how these families thrive, despite a seemingly hopeless situation.

I met a woman who was staying in the villa across the street. She brought a houseful of kids and she told me her story, while we both gathered food from the passing breakfast cart.
As we held the donuts, cereal, milk and juices in our arms told about her son who was hit by a car, and left for dead.

"He was in a coma for 3 months. He was left paralyzed" she told me. "The doctors all told me to 'unplug' him.....that he would be nothing but a vegetable." She refused to give up on him and kept believing that unplugging him was not the right choice to make.

She fought against what the doctors told her, and while her son faces many many issues, he is far from a vegetable. I was in awe of the strength this woman carried around with her.

She wasn't angry or resentful....She was strong and confident in her choice to fight for her son. These are the kind of people that help me with my own strength.

I am so grateful for my life and my children's lives. I am THANKFUL for what I have and I appreciate people who show me what true strength is.

Thrive On!

Thriving with Neurofibromatosis....Book Edition!

I have written a story about my life, growing up around Neurofibromatosis. Not being diagnosed until an adult, I talk about dealing with symptoms as a child that had no answer.

The story centers around my family; Their symptoms as well as finally realizing that my attitude about NF needed to change. The fear of realizing I was suffering from the same disorder my brother and mother was a crushing blow.

This fear had me hiding for far to long.

'Thriving with Neurofibromatosis' was born because I realized that 'Hiding with Neurofibromatosis' was not helping anyone....

I hope you are inspired by the stories in this book . I hope that it helps you or a loved one

THRIVE with NF

CLICK HERE TO ORDER

******Book will be sent --and signed in mid/late December*******

CTF Hosts The 6th Annual Gingerbread House Decorating Party

Sunday, December 5 · 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Colorado Academy, In the Campus Center (dining hall)

3800 S. Pierce Street

Denver, CO

Join us for a fun holiday tradition of the Colorado Chapter of The Children's Tumor Foundation. We will provide a gingerbread house for each child or young adult to decorate (ages 3 to 18). Adults willing to volunteer are also welcome. Please bring at least one bag of candy as decorating material (no peanuts/nuts please!).

Contact Catherine Laskey @ (303) 734-9942 or ilaskey@me.com to RSVP or if you have any questions. Hope you can join us!!