Lena
My name is Lena and I was born in 1998.
I currently live in Wuppertal, where I am studying physics.
Next year I will finish my studies and plan to do a doctorate afterwards.
I like to spend my free time with my foster horse and doing fitness training.
I was diagnosed with bilateral RB shortly after I was born, so my right eye was removed when I was just under six months old.
My left eye was treated with laser, radiotherapy and cryotherapy.
Although I had a recurrence at the age of two, I have no recollection of the treatments apart from the regular visits to the doctor.
Due to the treatments, my field of vision is so limited that I am not allowed to get a driver’s license.
However, apart from my three-dimensional vision, this is my only limitation due to the RB disease.
Everyone has obstacles to overcome in life and this is mine.
Ball sports may not be my favorite pastime, but I can spend my free time like everyone else and complete my studies as normal.
I came across the KAKS through a flyer that was on display at my ocularist.
I found it exciting to find out how other affected people deal with RB and what their story is.
As I didn’t know anyone with the same fate, it was all the more interesting for me.
I also wished I had been able to talk to others about RB earlier.
That’s why I wanted to get involved with KAKS myself, to offer others this opportunity and to encourage them with my experiences.
I hope that no one feels alone with this.
I also want those affected and their families to know that you can lead a normal life and pursue your dreams despite the disease.
Lena
Encourager
