NF HOPE CONCERT Returns to The Smith Center for the 12th Annual Event at Myron's

Author: Jeff Leibow, NF Hope Concert Co-Founder

Published On: 10/12/2022

Celebrating 12 years of fundraising and fantastic performances by top performers, the NF Hope Concert returns to the stage! Las Vegas’ most celebrated performers and entertainment-loving philanthropists will again join forces against neurofibromatosis at the 12th Annual NF Hope Concert.  NF Hope Concert founders Jeff Leibow, formerly of “Jersey Boys,” and his wife Melody, are bringing the concert back to the prestigious Myron’s at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, October 23.  The lobby opens at noon for silent auction viewing, with the entertainment portion of the afternoon beginning at 2 PM.  Tickets start at $49 and can be purchased by visiting www.thesmithcenter.com/nfhope.  For people who wish to watch the event from the comfort of home or outside of Nevada, livestream tickets are also available for the performance beginning October 3.  The NF Hope Concert benefits Neurofibromatosis Network, an organization dedicated to families and individuals suffering from Neurofibromatosis (NF).

Since the inaugural event in 2011, the “NF Hope Concert” continues to grow leaps and bounds with every passing year, with more than $1.5 million raised for Neurofibromatosis research and advocacy and growing to three cities – Las Vegas, New York City and Chicago.  Hosted by consummate emcee and top radio personality, Chet Buchanan, 2022’s NF Hope Concert features legendary Vegas performer Clint Holmes, popular vocalist Michelle Johnson, Broadway star Brent Barrett, and LVA Grad, Future Broadway Star Runner-Up Breanna DeSantos, and more, along with Jeff and Melody Leibow with a special guest appearance by daughter Emma.

“For the first time since 2019, we had a full year of live events in Las Vegas, New York, and Chicago and once again back home at Myron’s at The Smith Center. The feedback we’ve received from NF families, our patrons, and the incredibly generous performers who contribute their talents, has been a beautiful reminder of how powerful these events are,” said Leibow. “This year, we are blessed to have the support of our national sponsor, SpringWorks Therapeutics and our presenting sponsor, Alexion Pharmaceuticals. Both organizations are not only generous, but are dedicated to creating treatments for the NF community.”

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic disorder of the nervous system characterized by tumors that can grow on any nerve in the body without warning. The Leibows’ young daughter, Emma, was diagnosed with this condition in 2010 when she was just nine months old. As Leibow and his wife, Melody, learned more about the disorder’s devastating effects, they conceived the idea for the concert with the realization that they had an obligation to both their family and the 128,000 people living with NF to educate others about the disorder. Although it is a common genetic disorder, most people are not aware that one in 2,500 people are born with it making it more common than cystic fibrosis, hereditary muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s disease, and Tay Sachs combined.

Emma continues to inspire her parents and those around her with her courage and resilience. “For the last handful of years, we have been watching a large tumor in her leg that stretches from her hip to her knee. It has led to a few surgeries and carries with it a chance of becoming an incurable NF cancer,” said Melody Leibow. “As if simply having this tumor isn’t enough, this year, swelling in Emma’s knee caused by the tumor led to a dislocation of her knee cap. It almost took her out of dance, which would have been devastating since dance is her escape from the struggles NF causes. That feeling of helplessness as an NF parent is heartbreaking.” Emma spent more than four months in physical therapy, working hard to overcome her newest challenge. It has been a sobering reminder of what NF families face every day, and it has emphasized for the Leibows why it is so important to continue raising awareness and funds to help fight this disorder and make a difference for Emma and the tens of thousands living with it.

For 2022, the NF Hope Concert honors longtime NF Hope Concert supporter and friend, Libby Hoover with the Advocate of Hope Award for her tireless efforts and endless generosity.  The Paul Bodner Memorial Award will be presented to Rachel Pereira, an inspirational member of the NF community who exemplifies what it means to turn life’s lemons into the sweetest lemonade.

Tickets start at $49 and can be purchased at any box office at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, online via www.thesmithcenter.com/nfhope or by calling 702-749-2000 (TTY 800-326-6868). A select number of sponsorships are available.  Sponsors include ad space in the annual Tribute Journal, sponsor recognition and prime seating at the October 23 concert. For more information about becoming a sponsor, email info@nfhope.org. The NF Hope Concert also features a lavish silent auction including priceless experiences, ticket packages to the top shows on the Strip, hotel stay packages, celebrity experiences, restaurant gift certificates, and more. Early access to the silent auction begins Friday, October 14 via http://nfhopelv22.givesmart.com.  The auction will open for viewing noon on the day of the event. For more information on NF Hope, visit www.nfhope.org. You can follow NF hope on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The 2022 NF Hope Concert is sponsored by presenting sponsor Alexion Pharmaceuticals and national sponsor SpringWorks Therapeutics along with All Western Mortgage, Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters, PENTA Building Group and Findlay Toyota.