Megan’s Journey

Megan's Journey

Megan-Cherise Kerr is a current undergraduate student studying Biomedical Science at the University of Greenwich. She was diagnosed with NF1 when she was 8 years old (and also diagnoses of ADHD, Dyslexia, Irlins and Dyspraxia). Here she talks about how she hasn’t let this hold her back, and about recently attending a global Neurofibromatosis Conference in San Francisco.   

I have faced many challenges in my life and have had to fight my way through many battles to reach the point I am at now. For many years people have told me what they think I can’t do, without knowing what I am capable of. Now, at 23 years of age, I am continuing to fight back and prove to anyone who doubts my abilities that I can have a successful life.

Being a student at university with NF1 hasn’t been easy. I have faced many challenges the least couple of years.

On the first day of term in my second year, all of my friends were beginning the new academic year whilst I was in hospital having my fourth operation to debulk a plexiform neurofibroma on my face. This was quite a big operation which involved me missing almost seven weeks of university lectures. After Christmas I had finally caught up with everything I had missed, only to be told I needed another operation, this time to remove three other plexiform neurofibromas, throughout my body.

Despite all of these challenges I managed to finish the year with 79%. The equivalent of a First.

At university I am a STAART (Support Through Access Ability Retention and Transition) Ambassador. As part of this team, I provide information, guidance and support to disabled and diverse students who have concerns about going to university or are current university students. We understand that starting university can be difficult for anyone, and if you have a disability this can be even harder, but with the right support this transition can be made easier.

In September 2019 I travelled solo to San Francisco to attend the global Neurofibromatosis Conference hosted by the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Over the 4 days of the conference we heard from leading researchers across a wide range of scientific disciplines, in research and clinical backgrounds within the neurofibromatosis community. This included discussions regarding pain and itch, the future of precision health, and presentations showing the promising results surrounding the MEK inhibitor trials. Much of the research presented is so new it is currently unpublished.

As a young scientist I was inspired and my passion for research was truly fuelled. Everyone I spoke to was surprised to learn I was only an undergraduate student and they were so supportive and provided me with valuable information and guidance to further my career as a research scientist.

Attending the NF conference in San Francisco has given me even more drive and determination, and I am looking forward attending the conference next year in Philadelphia.