We're Stronger Together, Together We're #NFStrong

Author: Debbie Rinella

Published On: 12/04/2024

We just wrapped up a fantastic season of #NFStrong events! These family-friendly activities helped raise awareness about neurofibromatosis (NF) while fostering new friendships. We started with our popular Kansas City, MO walk, followed by events in Boardman, OH, Orlando, FL, and concluded with the Memphis, TN walk. Each event brought enthusiastic participants, and we are grateful for your support. 

A special thanks to our dedicated event chairs—Jill Meyer, Shelly Chavez, Jenn Krawchyk, Melanie Leach, and Carrie Wylie—who have each contributed for over ten years. Their commitment to our mission drives our fundraising efforts for support and research. 

Mid November, we held a meeting to appreciate these incredible women and brainstorm for future walks. Beyond brainstorming, the support they had for each other was heartwarming. We left inspired and ready for 2025! We’re excited about the upcoming events and hope you’ll join us to strengthen our network. Mark your calendars for:

• Early Spring: Docs that Rock in Florida (more details coming soon)
• May 17: Ducky Dash, Wheaton, IL
• Saturday, May 31: 5K, Kansas City, MO
• Saturday, July 19: 5K, Boardman, OH
• Sunday, November 9, Memphis, TN

We want to express our gratitude to our incredible sponsors, as these events wouldn't be possible without their support. This year, our national sponsor, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, backed four NF Strong events. Springw=Works also contributed, and Bar Method in Tampa made a generous donation to our Orlando walk. Additionally, we appreciate Excel Constructors, Validity Screening, and Clean Giving for supporting our KCMO walk. Our Memphis walk benefited from a donation from Dr. Paul Moots, president of NF Tennessee, and ongoing support from Dr. Eniko Pivnick, lead geneticist at the NF clinic at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital.

Together we are #NFStrong!

For questions, more information about an upcoming event, or to start an event in your area, please contact Debbie at drinella@nfnetwork.org.