She didn’t have many physical symptoms at the time but by her teens, tumours had formed on the nerves in her body, including the skin, brain and spine.
Though having had numerous surgeries to remove the tumours, Janu says the worst thing about her condition was that thanks to concerned relatives, she did not speak about it for over 30 years.
“They were worried that people would view me negatively and then one day in 2019, I thought what have I got to be ashamed about and took part in my first fundraiser and was able to raise $16,000 for the Children’s Tumour Foundation (CTF),” she said.
“When people found out about my condition, they were extremely supportive.
“I’m continuing with the fundraising for CTF because I don’t want another child to have to go through what I did and hopefully researchers will some day find a cure.”
Janu is encouraging all to register for CTF’s latest fundraising event, Conquer NF in Colour, which will kick off on Sunday, November 13, 8.30am-12pm, at Wentworth Park Road in Glebe.
A fun run that is boldly blue and green, Conquer NF in Colour will challenge you to chalk it up over 2km, 4km or 10km.
Experience everything from chalk explosions, soaking stations, tyre runs, food trucks, live music and an afterparty that follows the race.
“I will just be doing the 4km walk and have been on the treadmill to start building fitness,” Janu said.
“Hopefully together we can help change someone’s life.”
To find out more and register: ctf.org.au.
Fun run, walk ‘in colour’ to help find cure
LIDCOMBE resident Janu Dhayanathan was nine-years-old when a specialist diagnosed her ‘asthma’ as something far more sinister, a lifelong, genetic condition – neurofibromatosis (NF).