Two years ago Frankie Edroff had an epiphany.
Edroff began reflecting on his life, what he had accomplished over the years and was trying to figure out who he was.
Known then around the country as Jeneece, Vancouver IslandB次元官网网址檚 B次元官网网址淧enny Girl,B次元官网网址� said something felt off in his personal life. He admits he never felt like a B次元官网网址済irly-girl,B次元官网网址� preferred playing video games over Barbie dolls, and growing up always wished he was a boy. ThatB次元官网网址檚 when he realized he was transgender.
RELATED: Jeneece Edroff honoured with renaming of Hospital Way
B次元官网网址淚t was like an epiphany, I felt free,B次元官网网址� said the now 24-year-old Saanich resident. B次元官网网址淢y life is better mentally and physically in a sense. Now, I donB次元官网网址檛 really have to hide. IB次元官网网址檓 still the same person, IB次元官网网址檓 just who I am now.B次元官网网址�
Edroff was just three years old when he was diagnosed with a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis that causes tumours to grow on nerve tissue.
Since then, Edroff has collected more than $1.5 million in pennies for Variety, the ChildrenB次元官网网址檚 Charity. With the help of community partners, the fundraising phenom also raised $6.5 million to open Jeneece Place at Victoria General Hospital B次元官网网址� a home where children and their families can stay while receiving medical care.
RELATED: Jeneece Place welcomes 1,000 th family
After coming out to family and friends recently, Frankie now hopes to inspire others with his story.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 about other people who want to come out to their families and friends if theyB次元官网网址檙e gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, etc, that they shouldnB次元官网网址檛 be afraid,B次元官网网址� he said, adding he hopes other parents will be supportive of their childrenB次元官网网址檚 decisions to come out.
B次元官网网址淚f your child does come out as one of those things be respectful, be supportive. This is 2018. We have pride week, pride month and you should be proud of your kid because theyB次元官网网址檙e still the same person.B次元官网网址�
Up next, Frankie will continue with school and travel, and will B次元官网网址渃ontinue being me.B次元官网网址�
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kendra.wong@goldstreamgazette.com
