About me

Who am I?

My name is Anna Németh, I was born in 2004. I have two homes: Austria and Hungary, and both are an important part of who I am today.

If I had to describe myself in just a few words, they would be: positive and strong. I consciously try not to complain, because I believe there is always something to be grateful for.

Many people misunderstand me at first. From the outside, I often seem closed off or reserved, but in reality I am much more open. I am not as shy as I may appear when we first meet – I am more of an observer and a listener. This is still an area of my life where I continue to grow, because today I no longer feel as introverted as I once showed myself to be.

As a child and young teenager, I went through many negative experiences that strongly shaped my personality. Perhaps that is why family means everything to me. My parents and my family always come first – they are the safe place I can return to again and again to draw strength from.

My story

The idea of starting a blog did not first come from me, but from my mother. She was the one who said one day:
“It would be good if you wrote about how you cope with this rare illness in everyday life. There is a lot of medical information online, but very little about what daily life is actually like – maybe that would be interesting for others as well.”

When she said this, I immediately thought of people who are going through the same thing as me. Those who are searching for answers, for something to hold on to, or simply for the feeling that they are not alone. That was the first moment I truly felt that I wanted to help them.

This blog, however, is not only for others. It gives a lot to me as well.
It is a kind of diary where I can write out everything that lives inside me, and at the same time a memory – an imprint of the journey I am currently on.

Since the idea of this blog was born, strangely enough, I no longer carry negative feelings within me. There is some uncertainty, but much more than that, I feel strength.
It feels as if I have already passed the hardest part and am now looking ahead.

Because I speak German and English well, I was able to read many international articles and experiences. I never felt a lack of information – and yet I missed a Hungarian-language space where this topic could be discussed clearly, honestly, and humanly – and where I could perhaps talk with you.
This blog aims to fill that gap.

What does Live With Light mean?

For me, Live With Light carries a very simple, yet deeply meaningful message:
I believe that there is always light at the end of the tunnel – and with it, the possibility of happiness.

Through this blog, I want to offer both strength and support. Not only to those living with an illness, but also to their loved ones – those who are afraid, worried, and often unsure how to help or how to stay strong.

The feeling that we are not alone can give an incredible amount of strength. That is what this blog is about: connection, understanding, and hope.

What can you read about here?

On the blog – and on the related platforms such as Facebook and Instagram – you will find, among other things, topics like:

• the story of my illness and how I experience it

• my everyday life, honestly and without embellishment

• how to move forward and live alongside difficulties

• what helps in everyday life, emotionally and practically

• useful knowledge, experiences, and recommended links

I would like not only to share my story, but also to pass on the knowledge that I myself found through a long journey of searching.

About my illness – honestly

I will speak openly and honestly about my illness, NF2. I will not share every detail – there are things that remain mine – but everything I write will always be true, human, and carefully considered.

One thing I already know for sure: I am not alone.

My parents and my siblings stand by my side in good times and bad. They do not only accept the situation, but want to grow, learn, and adapt to this new life together with me.

Perhaps the hardest moment was when I realized that this was not a “simple cold.” Several tumors live inside me,
and I have to live with them. I will not recover overnight – and accepting that took time.

Still, if there is one thing I am truly proud of, it is myself. That I was able to climb out of the darkness, and that despite my fears, I managed to remain strong and positive.

If you have just received sudden, painful news, this is what I would tell you: allow yourself to feel your emotions. Cry, be angry, scream – even for days, if you need to. That is okay.
There is only one thing you should not do: do not hurt the person who wants to stand by your side.

After that, turn inward. You may have to let go of an old goal – but that also means you can find a new one. Dream new dreams and do not be afraid to make them real.
But never forget: your health and well-being come first.

To the reader

Anyone can arrive at this blog. Those who are afraid. Those who feel completely lost. Mothers, fathers, siblings, loved ones – all those who are searching for something to hold on to.

I hope that on this page I can offer a little light. Maybe just for a day. Maybe for weeks, months – or even years.

If I had to send one single message, it would be this:

You are not alone.

I would like readers to take with them hope, strength, and positive thoughts. You may be afraid, you may be uncertain – but at the same time, be brave and trust yourself.

For me, community means trust and belonging.
A space where you do not have to explain yourself, where there is understanding, and where there is always someone standing beside you.

This is the feeling I want to pass on:
that there is a place where you do not have to be alone.