My sister-in-law, Vanessa Eva Ouse Grindberg, died February 25, 2002, from NF. She was born October 18, 1942. Vanessa had been treated for pneumonia approximately one month before her death. Four days before she died, she developed an egg-sized lump over her left knee. The pain sent her to an area walk-in clinic. There she was told it was a muscle strain and was given a prescription for pain killers. The next day, she visited the hospital emergency room and was told she had a surface blood clot and was given more medication for pain. Nine hours later, barely able to stand, she returned to the emergency room. She underwent an angiogram of her leg and was told it was an infection. She was admitted to a medical floor at approximately 3 PM, and two hours later she was being transferred to ICU. She had begun to cough up blood and had poor air exchange, so she was intubated and placed on a vent. A CT scan showed a massive infection in her lungs. She then had surgery and the lump was cultured. It revealed she had a Strep A based infection. Vanessa slowly tired out as the infection spread up her leg and hip, and into her torso.

She died at 4 PM. She had barely been hospitalized 24 hours. Her autopsy confirmed she had NF. Vanessa left behind a 7 year old daughter and a 5 year old son, as well as her husband Tony Grindberg. Those who knew her miss her smile and her joy for life. Her son Chase, says she is an angel watching over us.