Neurofibromatosis role model

Yvonne Foong is a girl who was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 at the age of 16. Despite her condition, she is a very courageous and strong girl in the fight of her life and she is always youthful and positive about her disorder. . She is currently studying in Upper Iowa University. Yvonne has written a book “I'M NOT SICK, JUST A BIT UNWELL” at the age of 18, her story growing up as a healthy child, through the development of a complicated genetic disorder. This story winning Yvonne Foong the title of Most Outstanding Youth at the 2005 Dream Malaysia Awards.

She has conduct many campaigns to create awareness and help those who are dealing with neurofibromatosis like the Neurofibromatosis awareness day and Leadership camps. Her dream is to become a psychologist and therapist providing support to children with hearing aids. She gives motivational speeches to everyone who has self esteem by giving examples of herself.


She has undergone 8 major surgeries from 2002 till 2009, she almost went blind and her hearing has been badly affected by the disease, yet she does not depend solely on charity but raises funds on her own for her very costly surgeries (between RM90,000 to RM200,000 each!) by selling custom-made t-shirts and other accessories.