Case Study #119 - Brandon Sketching on the Porch

Brandon Sketching on the Porch - prep sketch

Brandon Layne was first diagnosed with NF1 at the age of 10 in 1991 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville Tennessee. His parents had never heard of this before but had often about the odd birthmarks but didn't think much of it until his left cheek began to swell and he would have headaches. When he was finally properly diagnosed he was referred to surgeon Dr. Kevin Kelly who ordered an MRI and discovered the growth of a tumor that was 99 percent removed. Over the next 25 years tumors would return and have to be removed one on particuluar causing damage severe enough that bone had to be grafted from other places to repair his cheekbones. They have also been removed from his his left hand and calf and they continue emerge and are being closely monitored. He says the worst thing about NF growing up was the lack of friends which really hurt but he found other ways to occupy his time. Drawing and making up his own stories became a passion that he still greatly enjoys today.

Brandon enjoys talking with people about NF and trying to help them understand it. He is thankful everyday for loving family and his supportive wife Rebekah who is always there for him.

Case Study #118 - Rebecca Planting in her Garden

"Rebecca Planting in her Garden" 30" x 24" Oil on Canvas

Rebecca Tovar was in her late 20’s when she was diagnosed with NF1 through spontaneous mutation. In her early 40’s she had a large fibroma removed from her left psoas muscle due to intense pain, while wrestling with the fact that surgery could impair her ability to walk unassisted. Worry started to set in but with family support and faith in God, she knew she could persevere. The surgery was a success but left her with permanent numbness in her thigh.

Rebecca prep sketch

Despite having NF, she was grateful to eventually become a patient at Mayo Clinic Phoenix, and her team of doctors, led by Drs. Porter and Noland. While at Mayo, she’s had multiple scans, biopsies, and other tests, as well as a successful surgery to remove debilitating fibromas from her right hand. Rebecca continues to battle NF as she is dealing with large fibromas in other critical areas. Her oldest son, Jacob, also a Mayo patient, has a more severe case of NF, while her middle son, Noah, has a slight case, and her youngest son, Joshua, is unaffected.

She’d like to bring awareness to others about NF by participating in various NF related functions and activities. She’s happy to have her husband, Chris, and entire family’s support by continuing to pray for her and be with her. Rebecca doesn’t want to be defined by NF and strives to stay positive despite it.