Brave 10-Year-Old Battles Rare Facial Tumour | BORN DIFFERENT

WHEN 10-YEAR-OLD Autumn was born, doctors noticed that her eye was much larger than the average baby’s. Six months later, her mother, Lindsay, was told the swelling on her daughter’s face was caused by a growing, inoperable tumour caused by a genetic condition called Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). NF1 is the most common form of Neurofibromatosis and its symptoms can vary significantly between each person. Lindsay told Truly: “We found out when she was about six months old. I had never heard of NF1 - didn’t know anything about it.” Autumn has undergone many treatments and clinical trials to shrink the tumour, however, it always grows back. Due to new treatments, doctors have now found a way to ensure Autumn’s tumour doesn’t grow, however the family have been told that Autumn will most likely never see the tumour fully disappear. Lindsay said: “If Autumn’s tumour grows and isn’t shrinking, she could have a stroke, she could die. We’ve seen a lot of improvement. Autumn’s face is not as bulgy - you wouldn’t maybe notice all of the time but it’s not as puffy. Her tumour is definitely shrinking.” Autumn has sadly had to overcome judgement due to her appearance - other children have compared her to “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and “Elephant Man”, however that hasn’t stopped her from making friends and having fun like any other 10-year-old. “Autumn is extremely unique and we love her for it,” Lindsay added. “She’s super social, very independent, she knows what she wants and she’s not going to let anybody stop her.”