These oil paintings are from people living with NF all over the United States. If there are 5 or more people from a single state, they are in the State Show Collections folder.
Candice is a lifelong survivor of NF. Born with a Neurofibroma facial tumor in 1969, she underwent over 30 surgeries to re-reconstruct her face. Recovering from those surgeries trapped under tight bandages were a hot muffled prison of pain. Healing meant embracing a face with new scars and stitches to manage a disease and move toward a symmetrical appearance. Loving herself during such an extensive healing process was an effort of enormous physical and psychological endurance. Candice began documenting her experiences and has been journaling about it for over 35 years.She has said many times that being born different is one of the truest tests in a human’s capability to love. The impact of NF doesn’t define her but is a catalyst for her purpose driven life. Candice has used her life experiences as a patient to become a dedicated ER Nurse, inspirational speaker and triathlete.
Throughout her life she has dealt with ridicule from looking different and multiple challenges at times being temporarily blind and unable to speak. A devout Buddhist, Candice began meditating at age 14 to deal with pain caused by NF. She often visualizes yoga asanas while in MRI machines. Her daily routine includes plant based nutrition, walking and yoga. She now shares her life experiences with adults speaking at schools and conferences bringing awareness for NF and sharing healthy life strategies.
Candice joined the efforts of the Children’s Tumor Foundation as a triathlete with the NF Endurance team and team captain for the Cupid Undie Run to continue efforts to support funding to cure. Her goal is simple, to leave behind a legacy of hope for children to not have to endure a life of surgery. That opportunity presented itself as Candice has also undergone diagnostic testing and donation of tumor tissue to progress toward a cure. She has spoken at many craniofacial conferences for All Children’s and Moffit Research Hospital in Florida. Her goal and mission continues to help others accept themselves for who they are and propel research for a cure forward.