For more than three decades, the Neurofibromatosis Clinic at UT Le Bonheur Pediatric Specialists has been a trusted resource for families living with neurofibromatosis (NF). Founded in 1992 by the beloved Dr. Eniko Pivnick, the clinic was built on a simple but powerful vision: provide coordinated, multidisciplinary care for people with NF under one roof.

Now celebrating its 34th anniversary, the clinic continues to grow. What began as a specialized program for NF1 has expanded to provide care for individuals with NF1, NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2-SWN), and schwannomatosis, ensuring patients of all ages have access to expert, comprehensive care.

The clinic is a collaboration among Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Semmes Murphey Clinic, Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics, Hamilton Eye Institute, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Patients benefit from individualized care coordinated across specialties including genetics, ophthalmology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, dermatology, psychology, and more.

"There are no limits," Dr. Pivnick says. "Whatever you want to do, you can accomplish it if you want it enough."

Our Memphis walk chair, Carrie Wylie, and her daughter, Kaitlyn, recently sat down with Dr. Pivnick to discuss the clinic's growth and future. For Kaitlyn—who has lived with NF1 since infancy and has learning disabilities as a result of her condition—the opportunity to interview the physician who has cared for her and so many families was especially meaningful.

Dr. Pivnick shared that one of the clinic's greatest strengths is its collaborative approach.

"Not everybody needs every specialist," she explained. "We have a multidisciplinary team that comes together to provide the right care for each individual."

The clinic serves both pediatric and adult patients and works to remove barriers to care through social work support, insurance assistance, and interpreter services. Looking ahead, Dr. Pivnick hopes to expand educational workshops and support programs for newly diagnosed families.

"There is help in the community," she says. "It's almost like it has a cloak on it. We need to uncloak it."

Kaitlyn was diagnosed with NF1 at just six months old after café-au-lait spots and other early symptoms led to genetic testing. Despite being given a devastating prognosis as an infant, she has continually defied expectations.

Today, at 23 years old, Kaitlyn has undergone multiple surgeries, manages numerous tumors and chronic pain, and has overcome childhood epilepsy. Although NF1 has affected her learning and required years of specialized educational support, she graduated with an occupational diploma and continues to pursue her passion for helping others. She now volunteers in schools, summer programs, and with older adults, using her experiences to encourage and support those around her.

Stories like Kaitlyn's underscore why multidisciplinary clinics are so important. Beyond medical treatment, they provide families with expert guidance, coordinated care, and the reassurance that they are never facing NF alone.

As the clinic enters its next chapter, Dr. Pivnick remains committed to expanding access, strengthening education, and ensuring every person with NF has the resources they need to live a full and meaningful life.

Watch the video interview here

Register for our NF Strong Memphis Walk here

Learn about the Memphis NF Clinic here

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