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.
Marcus Branding a Keychain
Upper Marlboro, Maryland ~ 2015
Oil on Canvas
30" x 24"
Marcus was diagnosed with NF at the age of one. At a young age Marcus battled with a speech problem, social isolation, horrific headaches, and chronic pain.
After completing his undergraduate degree at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, he moved to Washington DC. In 2010, Marcus started having weakness and numbness in his right leg, right arm, and loss of urine control (trouble/loss with bladder control) After having Xrays, MRIs and other tests, it was found that problems could be related to a Chiari Malformation, tumors on his spin or plexiform neurofibromas in his pelvis. From that moment to 2014 life became slightly more difficult. Marcus dealt with new issues of having trouble walking which led him to believe he would never run again.
Not being able to run, he began spin/cycle classes, lifting light weights, swimming, stretching and working on his balance in order to build up his strength. For the first time in 4 years, Marcus was able to run. He entered the 2015 Cupid's Undie Run in Washington DC. Marcus says “Everyday I wake up, and decide to push through the pain knowing that things will become better. I believe in practicing mindfulness and gratitude to enjoy the moment, and take my mind off of issues I am facing. We all must work together as a family to bring awareness and an end to NF.”
After completing his undergraduate degree at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, he moved to Washington DC. In 2010, Marcus started having weakness and numbness in his right leg, right arm, and loss of urine control (trouble/loss with bladder control) After having Xrays, MRIs and other tests, it was found that problems could be related to a Chiari Malformation, tumors on his spin or plexiform neurofibromas in his pelvis. From that moment to 2014 life became slightly more difficult. Marcus dealt with new issues of having trouble walking which led him to believe he would never run again.
Not being able to run, he began spin/cycle classes, lifting light weights, swimming, stretching and working on his balance in order to build up his strength. For the first time in 4 years, Marcus was able to run. He entered the 2015 Cupid's Undie Run in Washington DC. Marcus says “Everyday I wake up, and decide to push through the pain knowing that things will become better. I believe in practicing mindfulness and gratitude to enjoy the moment, and take my mind off of issues I am facing. We all must work together as a family to bring awareness and an end to NF.”