At this time of year, children all over the world search through catalogs, peer into store windows and compile a list of gifts they hope to receive during the holiday season. Bikes, dolls, chemistry kits, and video games top the lists of so many children.
Our NF Heroes have additional hopes: less chemotherapy, fewer doctors’ appointments, reduced tumor size. At the Children’s Tumor Foundation, we are working relentlessly to fulfill that hope.
This holiday season, we asked some NF Heroes and Champions to share their story, their hope for the holidays, and thoughts for the coming year.
Dylan Timal was diagnosed with NF1 at six months old. Now 15, he has endured long and extensive testing every other year to be sure that his tumors are stable and he is well.
His mom, Farida, says, “For three years now, Dylan has been affected with tumors. Despite the challenges Dylan has faced due to having NF, he continuously faces each day with a positive outlook and a limitless approach to life. His smile is so contagious; it could soften the hardest of hearts. He doesn’t let his diagnosis define who he is or what he can do.
“Dylan is an honor roll student, active in sports, playful in nature, and so very wise. He genuinely cares for the well-being of others, and it’s evident in how many people support and love him. He has become a source of inspiration for everyone in his family because of his resilience.
“He’s really a great kid, living a normal life, despite the constant challenges thrown his way.”
What is your hope for the holiday this year?
“I hope all my family and friends have a great holiday with their families.”
What is your idea of the perfect day?
“Spending the day with my family playing games and having fun.”
What are you most looking forward to next year?
“Going to the NF Camp in Utah and getting my driver’s license.”
If you would like to support our efforts to fund research to end NF,
please visit ctf.org/hope and make a donation to the Hope for the Holidays campaign.
