Event Series:
Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month
Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month
May 1
May is Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month!
Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month takes place during the month of May. Did you know that Neurofibromatosis affects more people than Cystic Fibrosis, Tay Sachs, Huntington’s Disease, and Muscular Dystrophy combined, yet most people have never heard of it? We like to call it “the most common disorder you have never heard of.”
We can change that! This year, we’re asking you to help us spread the word and raise awareness for Neurofibromatosis. Our goal is to spread the word “neurofibromatosis” across social media. To increase compassion and awareness, we want all people to know and understand this condition. For this reason, wear a blue and green pin to show support for Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month. Personalized Cause offers both a personalized and non-personalized version of this enamel awareness ribbon pin. Engrave a personalized pin to increase the impact of awareness within your community.
More About Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month
May is NF Awareness Month, a time for members of the NF community to harness their power, drive awareness, educate those around them, and raise money to support research that will lead to effective treatments.
Here’s what you can do this May to Make NF Visible:
Shine a Light on NF is a grassroots initiative that brings NF awareness into the community by lighting up homes, buildings, bridges and monuments in blue and green throughout the month of May (NF Awareness Month) or on May 17th (World NF Awareness Day). With your help, a landmark in your town can Shine a Light on NF this May!
Wear Blue and Green for Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month
Wear blue and green on May 17 in honor of World NF Awareness Day and blue and green on May 22 for NF Awareness Day! And wear a blue and green pin all month long!
More Facts About Neurofibromatosis
Neurofibromatosis is a condition that causes tumors to form in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Neurofibromatosis is usually noncancerous. There are three types of this condition. Type 1 usually appears in childhood, while Types 2 and 3 appear in early adulthood. To begin, Type 1 can cause bone deformities, learning disabilities, and high blood pressure. Additionally, Type 2 can cause hearing loss, vision loss, and difficulty with balance. Further, Type 3 can cause chronic pain throughout the body.
Some cases may not require treatment other than careful observation. Other cases may require chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. Neurofibromatosis treatment focuses on encouraging healthy growth and development in children who are affected by the disorder and on early management of complications. When neurofibromatosis causes large tumors or tumors that press on a nerve, surgery can reduce symptoms. Some people may benefit from other therapies, such as stereotactic radio-surgery or medications to control pain. A new medication is available to treat tumors in children, and other new treatments are being developed.
Neurofibromatosis – A Group of Genetic Disorders
Neurofibromatoses are a group of genetic disorders that cause tumors to form on nerve tissue. These tumors can develop anywhere in the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and nerves. As stated earlier, there are three types of neurofibromatosis. These include neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) and schwannomatosis. NF1 is usually diagnosed in childhood, while NF2 and schwannomatosis are usually diagnosed in early adulthood.
