Hundreds of sites worldwide light up blue and
green to raise awareness of neurofibromatosis and
schwannomatosis, while "Make NF Research Visible" highlights
crucial research advancements on behalf of patients
NEW
YORK, May 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The
Children's Tumor Foundation (CTF) announces nearly 400 world-famous
buildings, bridges, waterfalls, castles and architectural icons are
participating in this year's Shine a Light on NF campaign
and will show their support in the global fight against NF by
lighting up in blue and green, the official colors of the NF cause.
NF is a group of genetic conditions known as either
neurofibromatosis or schwannomatosis that affects 4 million people
around the world and causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the
body. It can lead to blindness, deafness, bone abnormalities,
disfigurement, learning disabilities, disabling pain, and cancer.
There is no cure yet, but this campaign raises awareness and
communicates the need for scientific research funding into NF.
Launched by the Children's Tumor Foundation to increase public
knowledge of this rare set of genetic conditions, the Shine a Light
on NF campaign has grown substantially over the years. The
Children's Tumor Foundation partners with NF organizations, medical
and research institutions, and corporate and media partners around
the world to expand awareness globally. In addition to the building
light-ups, donated billboards from Lamar Advertising Company are
amplifying the NF awareness message into homes and communities all
across the United States.
Internationally recognized landmarks that will Shine a Light on
NF this year include Niagara Falls
(Niagara, NY and Ontario, Canada), National Theatre
(London, England), The City of
Arts and Sciences (Valencia,
Spain), The David (Florence,
Italy), Wallace National
Monument (Stirling,
Scotland), National Palace of Culture (Sofia, Bulgaria), and Legislative Assembly of
Parliament Buildings in Victoria, British
Columbia, Canada, plus participating locations all over
the United States, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, England, Isle of
Man, Italy, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, and Wales.
The Children's Tumor Foundation also marks NF Awareness Month
this year with the release of its "Make NF Research Visible"
campaign, emphasizing the transformative potential of scientific
research. The initiative highlights advancements in NF scientific
research and clinical care, showcasing the crucial role these
efforts play in improving patient outcomes. Among various
activities, the campaign includes a compelling collection of
portraits and stories featuring clinicians, researchers and
patients, demonstrating how increased visibility can drive further
progress in NF research and support.
"The Make NF Research Visible campaign is a pivotal part of our
efforts to highlight the significant impact of NF research," said
Simon Vukelj, Chief Marketing
Officer of the Children's Tumor Foundation, "By increasing the
visibility of the incredible work being done by researchers and
clinicians, we aim to inspire greater support and drive further
advancements. Alongside the "Shine a Light on NF" campaign, we are
collectively brightening the path forward for everyone affected by
NF."
This Make NF Research Visible campaign not only showcases
scientific progress but also amplifies the voices of patients,
illustrating how research can transform lives and foster hope
within the NF community.
"Having NF is chaos as a 16-year-old," said Carson McNall, living with neurofibromatosis
type 1. "If research could cure NF, it would mean freedom from
appointments so I could live my life without stress, like my
friends do. It would mean having to worry less about my
future."
NF encompasses a group of genetic conditions, including
neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis, leading to the growth of
tumors on nerves throughout the body. With its varied
manifestations affecting individuals in diverse ways, the
Children's Tumor Foundation initiated campaigns like "Shine a Light
on NF" to raise awareness through global "light-ups," and "Make NF
Research Visible" to underscore the importance of advancements in
scientific research. Building upon the foundation laid by CTF's
original Make NF Visible campaign, these efforts aim to not only
spotlight the visible and invisible aspects of NF, but also
emphasize its impact on public awareness, diagnosis, clinical care,
and ongoing research endeavors towards finding a cure.
For the full, global list of locations Shining a Light on NF,
visit ctf.org/shinealight.
For more information about NF Awareness Month and Make NF
Visible, visit makenfvisible.org.
For more information about the Children's Tumor Foundation,
visit ctf.org.
About the Children's Tumor Foundation
The Children's Tumor Foundation is the world's leading organization
dedicated to funding and driving innovative research that will
result in effective treatments for the millions of people worldwide
living with NF, a group of genetic conditions that causes tumors to
grow on nerves throughout the body. Through collaboration with the
scientific community, pharmaceutical and biotech industries, and
other key partners, we work diligently to accelerate research and
development efforts, ensuring that promising treatments reach those
who need them. One in every 2,000 people is born with some type of
neurofibromatosis or schwannomatosis, which may lead to blindness,
deafness, bone abnormalities, disfigurement, learning disabilities,
disabling pain, or cancer. NF affects all populations equally, and
while there is no cure yet, the Children's Tumor Foundation mission
of driving research, expanding knowledge, and advancing care for
the NF community fosters our vision of one day ending NF. For more
information, please visit: ctf.org.
Media Contact:
Rebecca Harris
rharris@ctf.org
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SOURCE Children's Tumor Foundation