NATALIE RIMEL

#NatStrong

DREAM TRIP TO DISNEY WORLD
AND GIVE KIDS THE WORLD VILLAGE

Natalie was a wild child and so full of energy. She had no fear. Willing to do just about anything. She loved to write, draw and create. She loved to run, jump, ride her bike, ride the 4-wheeler, go snowboarding, and go on adventures.

Getting the news of Natalie's diagnosis was a mix of emotions. We were glad they knew what it was but it was also a punch in the gut hearing that your child has a brain tumor. Then a million questions go through your mind and the doctors aren't yet prepared to answer them. Natalie's diagnosis has changed her ability to live a normal 14-year-old life. Because of the damage the tumor and treatment caused to her pituitary gland, Natalie's body does not make growth or puberty hormones, thyroid, and other hormones that help with energy. This has not allowed her to grow and develop like her peers. She never eats, she's always cold. She is unable to attend a regular school setting. She is left behind socially. Because of the loss of ability on her right side, she is having to learn how to read and write again. She's still a whiz at math though. Because of it all, her body is still bogged down with fatigue and her energy level is low. She sleeps a lot. She now uses a wheelchair because just walking is difficult. She really doesn't have much interest in anything physical. She has lost her independence.

Our family has changed for the fact that we are always on high alert. Our lives are consumed with homeschooling, doctor, therapy, and other appointments. I have become a "hover mother" as Natalie would say. We are constantly in fear of her falling.

Natalie loves to play board and card games, specifically UNO. She would argue that she's the best. Natalie also loves to bake. Making slime is also something she enjoys.

We try to have as much normalcy as possible. We used to go to the mountains and to the lake to camp and fish and hike. We don't do that anymore because of Natalie's abilities and lack of interest. I think that Natalie would just like to have her abilities and independence back. We try to make sure she doesn't miss out on anything within our ability.

Natalie is very family oriented! She LOVES her big brother and her brother loves her. This dream trip would mean the world to her just being able to spend time as a family. With her brother being older and away from work often, we don't get to spend enough time together. We love to create memories as often as we can.

- Nicole Rimel