Band Together Brings Local Bands and Headliners to Support NF Research

Author: NF North Central

Published On: 12/7/2020

Madison, WI and Rochester, MN’s most prominent local bands will join forces with multi-platinum recording artist, Phillip Phillips, to fight for a cure for Neurofibromatosis (NF) at NF North Central’s inaugural BAND TOGETHER. Two massive local events, Links for Lauren and Rock Out To Knock Out NF, will combine into one virtual concert for the first time. Wisconsin and Minnesota locals, along with fans and philanthropists from across the US can “attend” the virtual event on Sunday, Dec. 13 from 6-8PM CT. The concert can be viewed on the event site and on NF North Central’s website. Access to the concert is free using access code "REBOOT." To watch live, visit the NF North Central website. The event will benefit NF research at University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Biotechnology Center. The concert is made possible by presenting sponsor, TDS, in partnership with NF North Central, an organization dedicated to families and individuals suffering from NF in Wisconsin, Minnesota and the Dakotas.

“Band Together” marries two of the region’s largest NF fundraisers, Links for Lauren in Madison (founded by Ryan and Lindsay Geier in 2013) and Rock Out To Knock Out in Rochester (created by Gregg and Becky Erickson, founders of NF North Central, in 2016). Together these events have raised over $425,000 for the invaluable NF research done at UW-Madison’s Biotechnology Center. The inaugural virtual event will feature performances by multi-platinum recording artist Phillip Phillips, the Grammy Award-winning Okee Dokee Brothers, Madison County, Super Tuesday, Six Mile Grove, Jeremy Jewell, Fernando Ufret and more and will be hosted by news anchors Eric Franke and George Smith. There will also be special appearances by Vikings running back Alexander Mattison, Ahman Green and Mark Tauscher.

Guests are encouraged to watch live using code "REBOOT" on the NF North Central website.

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic disorder of the nervous system characterized by tumors that can grow on any nerve in or on the body without warning. The Geier’s young daughter, Lauren, and the Erickson’s son, Gus, were both diagnosed with this condition during infancy. As the two families learned more about NF’s devastating effects, they conceived the idea for their respective events out of the recognition that they had an obligation —both to their children and to the 128,000 people living with NF—to educate others about the disorder. Although NF is a common genetic condition, most people are not aware that 1 in 2,500 babies are born with it, making NF more common than cystic fibrosis, hereditary muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s disease, and Tay Sachs, combined.

“Links for Lauren was born out of my need to try to do something,” said Geier, Lauren’s dad and the co-founder of Links for Lauren. “Having the resources and the ability to organize Links for Lauren has been my therapy throughout this journey. It has also been our approach to ensure Lauren never has to feel like she’s alone in this fight.” In its 7 years, the annual golf event has raised more than $275,000 for the UW-Madison Biotechnology Center.

“When you’re a parent, you do everything in your power to protect your children. NF can make you feel powerless so we get creative, work smarter and fight harder; Rock Out to Knock Out NF is just one product of those efforts,” said NF North Central co-founder, Becky Erickson. While she wishes circumstances allowed for a live Rock Out 4.0 event this year, she also recognizes the need to keep both NF families and patrons safe. “We embrace the opportunity to bring people together in any way we can because those who show up--whether it be in person or virtually, this time around--are the heroes responsible for creating the spirit and support and strong sense of community our friends with NF need now, more than ever.”

“Band Together” streams live Sunday, December 20th on nfnorthcentral.org or bandtogether4nf.givesmart.com. To register and contribute, visit bandtogether4nf.givesmart.com. For more information on NF North Central, visit nfnorthcentral.org or follow NF North Central on Facebook.

The virtual concert is sponsored by our presenting sponsor, TDS, in addition to Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Wisconsin Financial. Additional sponsorships are available. Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact NF North Central via their website, nfnorthcentral.org.