The story of Nataf
At the age of 19, I embarked on my first formal role as an office manager in a law firm, only to find myself unable to continue after just four months. A swift hospital visit ten days later unveiled an illness that had been silently plaguing me since the age of 16 – Moya Moya disease. They termed it “the most severe Moya Moya condition we’ve ever encountered” in my country, where only 15 others faced a similar challenge. In just a month, my family delved into market research, explored various treatment options, and left no stone unturned in the quest for an urgent solution. With unwavering determination, they uncovered a quarter-million-dollar treatment that promised to provide me with the best possible life.
Within a month, I found myself in Switzerland, undergoing an exhausting 12-hour surgery to restore my brain’s oxygen supply. Until we reached that point, it was a harrowing experience, marked by the longest stroke (TIA) lasting three hours. Six months later, I underwent a second surgery, fueled by my determination to emerge even stronger.
I was unprepared to settle for anything less than an exceptional future. I seized the opportunity and courageously moved to another city just two days after returning to my home country, after the surgery. This was all while I was only 20 years old. I first pursued a useful, accessible profession to ensure I had the means to care for myself financially. With each step, I learned and grew, and seven years later, I proudly stand as the head of marketing in a global firm. However, explaining and articulating my contributions was the most challenging aspect for me. I underestimated my ambition and consistency, not fully realizing my potential.
The path was fraught with challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Six months before completing my B.A., my heart stopped. Doctors gave me a mere 10% chance of recovery, a stark contrast to the mere 3% survival rate for VF cases outside hospitals. Against all odds, I regained consciousness, thanks to the relentless efforts of three individuals who conducted CPR until an ambulance arrived, rekindling my pulse.
Since those turning points, I’ve confronted this condition six more times, carving out a unique place in medical history. These experiences brought difficulties, pains, and concerns. Throughout it all, I endured, and embarked on another round of rehabilitation, nurturing my career with an unwavering desire for self-improvement. Efficiency, greatness, and simply being better than yesterday became my guiding principles, even amidst limitations, daily challenges, constant setbacks, and ever-present pain.
My journey has been long, and I hope it continues in this manner. I’ve come to understand that not everything is within immediate reach, but we can relentlessly strive for our highest selves. We can conquer disabilities and confront our inner doubts, fears, and vulnerabilities.
As I look back on my years of work with a sense of accomplishment. I accomplished a healthy body and brain, good enough to fulfill a large number of dreams with a lot of effort and work. Eagerly anticipating the journey ahead and the challenges I can conquer. I know the lingering fears, growing difficulties, and new obstacles that come with my journey. Some may call me fortunate, and I share that sentiment. However, each new day presents its new limitations and pains, driving me to seek solutions to cater to my needs.
So, I persisted, even when the pain was unbearable, even when it meant resting. Today, this journey defines me, serving as a testament to the indomitable human spirit that triumphs over adversity. We possess the power to shape the life we desire, becoming the most successful versions of ourselves. While not everything may be immediately attainable, our capacity for action empowers us to conquer life’s challenges, emerging stronger than we ever imagined. And as you persistently work hard, eventually it becomes easier, allowing you to reach even greater heights.