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About the Children's Tumor Foundation

The Children’s Tumor Foundation is the drug discovery engine for NF. By bringing together patients, doctors, scientists, and pharma, we drive treatments, advance care, and deliver faster results for millions affected by neurofibromatosis or schwannomatosis. Our patient-first collaborative approach accelerates drug development and brings life-changing therapies to patients faster – driven by our mission to end NF.

More About NFMission & Impact

Our Mission: Drive research, expand knowledge, and advance care for the NF community

Our Vision: End NF

About NF

NF refers to a group of genetic conditions that collectively affect 1 in every 2,000 births. NF includes neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and all forms of schwannomatosis (SWN), including NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2-SWN), formerly called neurofibromatosis type 2. These conditions cause tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body and can lead to deafness, blindness, disfigurement, bone abnormalities, learning disabilities, disabling pain, and cancer. 

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Ending NF through research

Yesterday

Founded in 1978, CTF celebrates more than 45 years of funding research, investing nearly $200 million to advance the understanding of NF in the search for treatments and a cure.

Today

CTF is the drug discovery engine for NF. By bringing together patients, doctors, scientists, and pharma, we drive treatments, advance care, and deliver faster results for millions affected by NF.

Tomorrow

The innovation pillars of our Strategic Plan will develop more drugs for NF, accelerate treatments, strengthen clinical trials, and empower all stakeholders in the fight to end NF.

Bringing the Best NF Care to Patients

NF Clinic Network

More than 20,000 patients a year visit our NF Clinic Network, which includes more than 70 clinics across North America.
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NF Registry

Join the thousands who have enrolled in the NF Registry, a critical tool in matching NF patients to clinical trials.
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Resource Library

We connect patients with the education and information they need through patient brochures and educational webinars.
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NF Patient Symposia

Whether at our national NF Summit or a local NF clinic symposium, families hear the latest in NF research and connect with other families.
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Collaborating with NF Professionals Around the World on the Best NF Research

NF Conference

Our annual gathering of NF researchers, clinicians, and other experts advances collaboration, research, and NF clinical care.
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NF Research

CTF drives vital research, scientific collaborations, and partnerships that accelerate NF research and drug development.
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CTF Europe

Children’s Tumor Foundation Europe is a medical research NGO that serves as a partner to CTF in the United States.
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Pharma/Biotech

Our ongoing partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotech companies catalyze treatments for NF.
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Connecting Communities and Raising Funds

for NF Research

Shine a Light NF Walk

Shine a Light NF Walk program brings local families and friends together to raise funds, promote awareness, and build community.
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NF Endurance

Professional and amateur athletes run, bike, and swim in endurance events to raise awareness and funds for NF research.
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Cupid's Undie Run

Cupid’s is a mile(ish) fun run in which brightly adorned, underwear-clad team members run outdoors for NF awareness.
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Every gift makes

a difference

Join the Children’s Tumor Foundation’s mission to end NF. Your gifts fuel critical research and make life-saving progress possible.
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