On Wednesday, November 20, 2019, the neurofibromatosis (NF) patient community, joined by leading philanthropists, medical professionals, civic leaders, and businesses, will gather at Cipriani (25 Broadway, New York, NY) for the annual Children’s Tumor Foundation National Gala. Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body and affects 1 in 3,000 births of all populations. There is currently no cure.
A highlight of the evening will be the launch of the Discovery Fund, a $7.6 million initiative supporting the Foundation’s longstanding commitment to driving and funding the best and most promising NF research. Discovery Fund researchers will focus on NF drug development, including basic science to pre-clinical and early stage clinical trials, with the goal of developing new treatments and potential cures. In recognition of this significant NF research milestone, we will honor the Founders of the Discovery Fund, a group of individuals who have made a leadership commitment to this initiative in support of advancing CTF’s mission. These individuals are:
Shelley and Frank Haughton
Richard Horvitz and Erica Hartman-Horvitz
Jim Bob and Laurée Moffett
An evening of inspiration and celebration, the Foundation will present this year’s Humanitarian Medical Award to Peggy Wallace, PhD, University of Florida College of Medicine. Dr. Wallace has made numerous remarkable contributions to the field of NF research; most notably, she was on the team that discovered the NF gene in 1991.
The Children’s Tumor Foundation will introduce and honor next year’s NF Ambassador, an award bestowed upon a young adult living with NF to recognize their courage living with the disorder and their personal efforts to further the Foundation goals of research, public awareness, and patient support. The 2020 NF Ambassador is Brianna Worden, a 22-year-old college student living with neurofibromatosis type 1.
We’re also pleased to share that NF Champion Ian Desmond of the Colorado Rockies will join us as an Honored Guest. NBC Host and Correspondent Raina Seitel will serve as master of ceremonies.
To purchase a tickets or make a donation, please visit www.ctf.org/gala.
