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Since 2005 I have been suffering from Histiocytosis a very rare condition. I have two types, Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) and Erdheim-Chester (ECD). I am one of only about 350 reported cases of Erdheim-Chester and one of only 8 confirmed cases of both types of the condition in the world.

I lost my eyesight in 2007 as a result of my optic nerves being crushed by non-cancerous masses behind both my eyes caused by ECD. Though this condition may present, act and be treated like cancer, it is not cancer.

Even though I am dealing with this rare illness I have managed to become a certified SCUBA diver with help from the International Association of Handicapped Divers (IAHD) adaptive SCUBA program.

In December of 2008 I went to Disney World with my family and dived at Disney World’s “Living Seas” Epcot aquarium. My father, brother and sister are all certified to be my support divers.

Because I am one of the only certified blind SCUBA divers in Pennsylvania (that I know of) and have such a rare condition; I was featured on Philadelphia’s NBC10 “Game Changers” news segment and interviewed by former NBC10 reporter Jade McCarthy... You can watch my interview for "A Mission to Swim" on NBC10's website.