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Shine a light nf walk logo.

We’re bringing NF out of the shadows and inspiring the community to come together to End NF.

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Presenting Sponsor:

Shine a Light NF Walk

Shine a Light NF Walk is the signature fundraising event of the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Our goal is to spread awareness of neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis - genetic conditions that collectively affect more than 4 million people worldwide - and raise critical funds to advance research and treatments. Held in communities across the US, Shine a Light NF Walks are family-friendly events where NF patients, families, and friends can connect with others on a similar journey. For more information, contact us at shinealightwalk@ctf.org

A crowd of spectators gathered under green and white pavilions at an outdoor event on a sunny day.

NF affects 1 in every 2,000 births

NF refers to genetic conditions that cause tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. NF includes all forms of neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis and affects about 4 million people worldwide. Anyone can be born with NF, and it affects everyone differently. There is no cure yet.

1

FDA-approved Drug for NF, and more on the horizon

Koselugo (selumetinib) is the first FDA-approved drug for NF. CTF-funded research paved the way to this drug approval, and we are working for more approved drugs for all types of NF!

3X

the number of NF Clinical Trials in the past 10 years

There are currently 67 active clinical trials for NF – three times the number of trials than just ten years ago!

45

years of funding NF research

The Children’s Tumor Foundation was founded 45 years ago as the first grassroots organization to support patients with all types of NF.

11,000

have joined the NF Registry

The NF Registry is a secure website where people with NF can take an active role in the search for better treatments. Participating is easy and makes a difference!

20,000

patients each year visit the NF Clinic Network

The NF Clinic Network (NFCN) is the first nationwide network dedicated to improving clinical care and establishing best practices for treating individuals with NF.

Learn More about

NF1

Neurofibromatosis type 1

Learn More about

NF2-SWN

NF2-related schwannomatosis

Learn More about

SWN

Schwannomatosis

Find an event

2024 Shine a Light Walk Iowa

August 17, 2024
49,767
Raised
90%

2024 Shine a Light Walk Chicagoland

September 14, 2024
32,870
Raised
26%

2024 Shine a Light Walk South Dakota

September 14, 2024
15,082
Raised
50%

2024 Shine a Light Walk Minnesota

September 14, 2024
7,788
Raised
26%

2024 Shine a Light Walk Michigan

September 15, 2024
72,817
Raised
63%

2024 Shine a Light Walk Kansas City

September 21, 2024
20,745
Raised
46%

2024 Shine a Light Walk Utah

September 21, 2024
2,060
Raised
8%

2024 Shine a Light Walk Cincinnati

September 28, 2024
44,251
Raised
37%

2024 Shine a Light Walk Denver

September 28, 2024
18,790
Raised
23%

2024 Shine a Light Walk Atlanta

October 5, 2024
4,067
Raised
12%

Interested in volunteering for an event near you?

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Fight NF Your Way

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Find a Participant/Team

$16,000Raised(6400%)
6400%
$12,658Raised(5063%)
5063%
$10,280Raised(4112%)
4112%
$10,052Raised(4021%)
4021%
$9,778Raised(196%)
196%
$9,284Raised(3714%)
3714%
$9,168Raised(76%)
76%
$6,775Raised(2710%)
2710%
$5,781Raised(58%)
58%
$5,581Raised(56%)
56%
$20,608Raised(137%)
137%
$20,581Raised(206%)
206%
$16,105Raised(322%)
322%
$13,234Raised(66%)
66%
$11,151Raised(93%)
93%
$9,284Raised(46%)
46%
$8,666Raised(87%)
87%
$8,324Raised(55%)
55%
$8,028Raised(54%)
54%
$6,859Raised(114%)
114%

Why you should get involved

A young boy holding a sign that says make nf visible.

Impact

When you participate in a Shine a Light Walk, you are funding vital NF research

A large group of people posing for a photo.

Community

Our Shine A Light Walks inspire the community to come together

A man and a boy walking down a track wearing t - shirts that say end nff.

Incentive

We recognize your efforts through our Fundraising Incentive Program.

Featured Stories / Testimonials

Two polaroid photos: one shows a smiling couple in front of a camper; the other shows a family of three near a beach. Background includes a map and partially visible photos.
Awareness

Turner Family Hitting the Road in Fifth Wheel to Make NF Visible!

In this heartwarming and inspiring interview, we have the pleasure of talking with Sarah and…
A person wearing a black hat and sweater sits on a couch with their hand resting on their chin. A photograph of a large metal structure is displayed on the wall behind them.
NF1

Stories of NF: Tracy

I was diagnosed (with NF1) at birth. I have had several surgeries to remove tumors…
A person wearing large glasses and a blue baseball cap with an "LA" logo is sitting in a car, smiling slightly. Sunlight illuminates their face.
NF1

Stories of NF: Andrea M

When I was born, the doctors kept telling my mom that I had a clogged…

Other ways to support

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Volunteer

Volunteers are making a difference in the lives of those living with NF

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Advocate

Learn about CTF's ongoing advocacy for NF funding and awareness

A child wearing a blue shirt with the words end nf on it.

Make a Donation

Donate today to make a difference in the lives of all those living with NF

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Raise Awareness

Spread NF Awareness year round and during NF Awareness Month

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