Karina Rodini was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis when she was just two-years-old.
Over the years, the rare condition has led to tumours developing on her legs.
The 28-year-old is unable to work due to her health problems.
Despite this, she is determined to maintain a positive attitude in life.
Karina, who lives in Curitiba, received the medical diagnosis when she was a toddler.
Throughout her childhood, tumours began growing on her legs and hips.
Even though she undertook various surgeries in her adolescent years, the growths are now 4kg in weight.
The Brazilian woman said: “When I was a child I only had little dark moles, the disease evolved when I was 14-15 years old.
“And it went on growing, growing, growing and growing…
“My fear is that the disease never stops growing, and it will reach a point when I wouldn’t know what to do.”
While Karina has learned to cope with her condition, it has made aspects of her life difficult.
As she’s in and out of hospital and her mobility is so restricted, she’s been left unable to work.
Neurofibromatosis has also led to her developing scoliosis.
She said: “My left side, it is completely affected – I can’t see with my left eye.”
Karina has also had to deal with cruel bullies over the years.
She admitted: “I learned how to deal with prejudice. Before I used to suffer more. Now I deal with it better.
“Prejudice is always going to exist. From various people, with various problems, you know.”
Thankfully, the young woman’s loved ones are very supportive of her.
She said: “My family always accepted me the way that I am.
“They learned to deal with the situation. My mother, accompanying me in doctors, exams, consultations, trips.”
Despite Karina’s devastating diagnosis, she is determined to live life to the full.
She said: “In this last year when the disease has affected me more, I felt shy of exposing myself, of taking pictures, of being recorded.
“But now I try to overcome my insecurities.
“I try to expose myself more, especially because there are many people who have the same disease who have reached out to me…
“You have to show yourself, you have to talk about the disease, you don’t need to be embarrassed.
“You don’t have to stay at home hiding and being depressed because you have a disease, you don’t have to think there is no solution, because there is.”
While Karina’s neurofibromatosis is incurable, she hopes to get surgery to remove her growths in the future.
She said: “I need to do surgeries, to go on removing as much as I can and as soon as possible so it doesn’t spread out more throughout the body.”
The Rodini family has also set-up a Go Fund Me Page to help Karina.
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