Apttus Steps Forward to Help NF Midwest Send Kids with Neurofibromatosis to Camp!

ST. CHARLES, Ill. - July 28, 2015 - PRLog -- Apttus (San Mateo, CA www.Apttus.com) has stepped forward as the presenting sponsor for NF Midwest’s 17^th Annual Take a Swing at NF Golf Benefit to be held Friday, August 7^th at Prairie Landing in West Chicago.

The Take a Swing at NF Golf Benefit provides funds to send kids from the Midwest who have neurofibromatosis to Camp New Friends. It also supports other programs for kids at NF Midwest.

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a complex, often devastating set of genetic disorders (including NF1, NF2 and schwannomatosis) affecting approximately 1 in 2500 people that can cause tumors to grow on nerves in or on the body. These tumors can cause loss of limb, hearing, or eyesight; pain; paralysis; disfigurement; and more.

Depending on the type of NF, people with NF are also at a higher risk of variety of other complications.  For instance, learning disabilities are very common in NF1. There is also a higher risk of cancer, bone deformities, seizures, autism spectrum disorder, ADD, high blood pressure, scoliosis, speech problems, poor fine or gross motor skills and much more. NF is highly variable in that some people can be mildly affected and others severely. It is also a chronic, life time disorder that will progress, though it may be fast in some and slower in others.

NF affects all races, ethnicities and genders equally and while it is a genetic disorder that can be passed on through inheritance, over half the babies born with NF did not inherit it but rather have what is called a “spontaneous mutation”. So anyone can suddenly find that they have a loved one with NF.

Formed by social workers from the Children’s National Medical Center, Camp New Friends (CNF) offers children and teens with NF seven days and six nights of summer fun and social connections. Camp New Friends serves to reduce the stigma and isolation that is often associated with neurological disorders and chronic health conditions. The camp also provides parents with respite.

Condition specific camps such as this have proven to be an effective way for children to learn more about their condition and to develop adaptive behaviors. At Camp New Friends, children learn from peers and adult volunteers who live effectively with these same health conditions and are offered hope for the future.

Neurofibromatosis Midwest is dedicated to improving the lives of the increasing number of men, women and children challenged by neurofibromatosis. As a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, NF Midwest C.A.R.E.S. by improving Clinics, raising Awareness, promoting Research, providing Education and Support. Services and programs are dependent on funds raised by special events, foundations and individual donations. The NF Midwest service area includes Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky and the eastern half of Missouri.

For more information about NF Midwest, call 630-945-3562 or visit http://www.nfmidwest.org.