Micaela Hernandez

At just 2 years of age Joshua was the 5th person in his family diagnosed with NF2. What was supposed to be a routine eye exam quickly turned serious when tumors were found in each eye. Knowing the family history, his parents quickly scheduled the first of many biannual MRIs. As a teenager Joshua developed the hallmark brain and spine of the disordee. Joshua underwent Gamma Knife radiation therapy and did not shed one tear throughout the entire procedure. His infectious smile and unwavering hope carried his entire family through what was every parent’s worst nightmare. For 2 years the tumors swelled, and he lost enough hearing to require a hearing aid. He was excited it connected to his iPhone via bluetooth and proclaimed himself bionic!
While all of this would be enough on it’s own, Joshua’s mom Olivia experienced a sharp decline in her health due to NF2 as well. Every day he goes to his high school, where he is a special education TA and an advanced Auto Tech student, before returning home to care for his mom. He is a true NF Hero and firmly believes that with the help of organizations like CTF, we will see a cure to endNF in his lifetime!