NF Midwest Brings Families with Neurofibromatosis Together

ST. CHARLES, Ill. - Sept. 2, 2015 - PRLog -- NF Midwest is hosting an Open House followed by a picnic and ballgame at the Kane County Cougars on Saturday, September 5^th. This NF Family Day brings together families and individuals with neurofibromatosis who need the support and understanding of others to help them battle this lifelong disorder.

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.

The open house will run from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm at the NF Midwest office at 473 Dunham Rd, Suite 3, in St. Charles. The Family Day event at the Kane County Cougars includes a concert by Sixteen Candles at 4:00 followed by a picnic at 5:30 and then the ballgame at 6:30 which will be followed by fireworks. Tickets are extremely discounted for families with neurofibromatosis. More information may be found at www.nfmidwest.org/cougars2015.

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 or to support this program, call 630-945-3562 or visit www.NFMidwest.org.