Diwatang Byaning

I was reading entries from Ambo’s site Pinoyambisyoso.com and found an entry about Kat Yarza it really touched my heart *Promise*! I may look rough and tough at times but I have a soft heart…

The girl used to be a Fine Arts student and is suffering from Neurofibromatosis. She has brain tumor, half of her body is paralyzed already and starting to get blind. She needs to raise 1.5 Million for her get an operation.

She really inspires me. Having this kind of condition, she still manages to make shirts on her own design which she is selling for Php300.00. You can visit Kat at her blog hearyeah.multiply.com.

I am asking all my dear bloggers/fans/readers/followers and enemies , let’s help Kat, let’s spread the word. This is for a good cause.

This is not a paid advertisement!

What is Neurofibromatosis?

The neurofibromatoses are genetic disorders of the nervous system that primarily affect the development and growth of neural (nerve) cell tissues. These disorders cause tumors to grow on nerves and produce other abnormalities such as skin changes and bone deformities. Although many affected persons inherit the disorder, between 30 and 50 percent of new cases arise spontaneously through mutation (change) in an individual’s genes. Once this change has taken place, the mutant gene can be passed on to succeeding generations.

Is there any treatment?

Treatments for both NF1 and NF2 are presently aimed at controlling symptoms. Surgery can help some NF1 bone malformations and remove painful or disfiguring tumors; however, there is a chance that the tumors may grow back and in greater numbers. In the rare instances when tumors become malignant (3 to 5 percent of all cases), treatment may include surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. For NF2, improved diagnostic technologies, such as MRI, can reveal tumors as small as a few millimeters in diameter, thus allowing early treatment. Surgery to remove tumors completely is one option but may result in hearing loss. Other options include partial removal of tumors, radiation, and if the tumors are not progressing rapidly, the conservative approach of watchful waiting. Genetic testing is available for families with documented cases of NF1 and NF2. New (spontaneous) mutations cannot be confirmed genetically. Prenatal diagnosis of familial NF1 or NF2 is also possible utilizing amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling procedures.

What is the prognosis?

In most cases, symptoms of NF1 are mild, and patients live normal and productive lives. In some cases, however, NF1 can be severely debilitating. In some cases of NF2, the damage to nearby vital structures, such as other cranial nerves and the brainstem, can be life-threatening.

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