What is NF?

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a debilitating genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow randomly throughout the body on nerve sheaths. NF occurs in more than one in 3,500 births - more than Cystic Fibrosis, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and Huntington's Disease combined, and most of those who struggle with NF are children. NF affects both sexes and all races and ethnic groups equally. While the effects of NF predominantly manifest themselves in childhood, it is a lifelong disorder that can lead to bone abnormalities, multiple skin fibromas, disfigurement, brain and spinal tumors, deafness, blindness, paralysis, chronic pain, and in some cases, even death. In 60% of those with NF1 have learning disabilities.

The Children's Tumor Foundation is the leading non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure and treatments for NF. The foundation facilitates medical programs, provides public education and support services, and has funded over $32 million in NF research. For more information on NF and the Children's Tumor Foundation, please visit www.ctf.org or call 1-800-323-7938.