In honor of Nissa Marie
$3,161.12
Raised
59
Donations
$4,000
Goal
My name is Nissa and I was 22 when I was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 2. I was entering medical school at the time and went to the doctor for headaches, dizziness, vomiting and loss of hearing in my left ear. After an MRI of the brain and spinal cord revealed bilateral acoustic neuromas and several brain and spinal cords tumors, I was told I had Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2), a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow unchecked in the brain, spinal cord, and along nerves throughout the body. It is a slow process but over time important nerves and structures get squeezed to death causing devastating symptoms. I had never heard of NF2 before, which affects about 1 in 33,000 people, and has no cure.
Shortly after, I had brain surgery to remove a large tumor compressing my brain to one side and causing my bothersome and dangerous symptoms. It would be the 1st of many surgeries, an unreal amount of invasive procedures, MRIs, doctor’s appointments and continuous life adjustments.
In spite of this I completed medical school and residency and am blessed to have been able to practice Emergency Medicine for 12 years despite gradually losing my hearing and other functions. I have had a lot of encouragement and support from family and friends and have had people praying for me that don't even know me. I am sure this and the grace of God is how I was able to press on all these years.
Unfortunately, I have not been able to continue to outrun NF2 and 5 years ago I was forced to resign from the practice of Emergency Medicine as there were no further adjustments I could make that would allow me to continue to do the job that I so loved. In addition to complete deafness, I have developed bilateral vocal cord paralysis, which prevents me from being able to speak or breathe properly. This required a tracheostomy tube in my windpipe through my neck. I also deal with vision problems due to cataracts, severe dry eye and a partial retinal detachment, chronic pain and fatigue, loss of balance, inability to chew/swallow, facial nerve paralysis, dental issues, muscle weakness, and many other symptoms. The psychological impact of this continuous loss and grief cycle has been equally, if not more, devastating. NF2 is a destroyer and it doesn’t quit until there is nothing left. It must be stopped.
Donor Wall26
Gilles Atlan | $103.83
thank you Nissa
Monica | $50
Michie O’Day
Margaret Reynolds | $25
Claudia Zaragoza
To my Superwoman Nissa Novas! Love you so much! I hope this helps some to find a cure !
Eve | $10
Bless Nissa and all of those who have been affected by this horrible disease..I pray they find a cure to stop the suffering that those battling daily
Gloria | $52.07
Nilsa RodriguezTyler | $26.19
To my niece Nissa. I pray for a cure to be found very soon.Titi Nilsa
Jane
Nothing is more beautiful than a real smile that has struggled through tears. You inspire me each and everyday. Nissa you’re my hero. Love yah❤️
Lamai | $52.07
In honor of my beautiful Nissa Maria. Love ❤️ you.
Betty
This is for Nissa Novas, one of the sweetest person I know. Nissa has blessed my heart with her courage. I pray for a cure to be found very soon.
Dwayne | $52.07
Laureine | $52.07
From sister Carolyn in honor of Nissa Marie-my precious treasure
Martha Ocansey James | $150
To my white coat partner. The first person I met at MCP. You are always in my heart and in my prayers. You are a true warrior and never stop fighting! Love you Martha
Kesha Allen | $100
Guillermo Choy Leon | $103.83
Mariana | $52.07
Love you, cuz!
Nichole | $52.07
For my beautiful friend and NF warrior!
Alexis Squire | $30
Thank you for your faith and your fight. Praying for your healing and your peace as you and your loved ones courageously take on this awful disease. You are loved.
Jamila Hernandez | $30
mana kasongo-robinson | $103.83
Nissa, You are so brilliant, strong, beautiful and fearless! just know that you have such huge fans everywhere. and you are so loved. mana
Esther Banville | $31.37
Praying for your sister..wish i could do more
Chhay Chun | $77.95
We pray that God continues to work miracles on you. It is with faith that we walk and will continue to do. Proverbs 3:5-6. The Chun’s love you and will continue to keep you in our prayers.
Laureine Novas | $77.95
Holly Bartlett | $103.83
For my beautiful friend, Nissa. Fierce. Strong. NF2 Warrior. Hugs, Love & Prayers for you & all of us fighting for a cure for NF2.
Sylvia | $50
In honor of my niece, Nissa , here’s to finding a cure!