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.