Dear Family and Friends,

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. It’s time to get out your walking shoes out and join for the Great Steps for Neurofibromatosis Walk! Loren and I are walking in Naperville on June 2nd this year. The event consists of an easy walk, snacks, raffle prizes and fun!

As some of you may know, Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder of the nervous system that causes tumors to form on the nerves anywhere in the body at any time. It can also cause cancer, learning disabilities, bone deformities, disfigurement and more. NF is a progressive disorder that affects all races and both sexes equally and affects approximately 1 in 2500 people. NF is more prevalent than the number of people affected by cystic fibrosis, hereditary muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s disease and Tay Sachs combined. Currently there is no known cure or effective treatment other than surgery on the tumors, which may grow back and usually cannot be completely removed.

Loren and I walk for our niece, nephew, brother-in-law and anyone who has NF. I must say that we are extremely proud of our niece who has endured many surgeries, still has a tumor that wraps around nerves and arteries (so it cannot be totally removed). She also has a seizure disorder. Yet she is off in her second year of college, braving all that it can offer her, away from her parents, friends, her support and her comfort zone. We are equally pleased with of our nephew who has ADD, learning and speech difficulties. When he was three his parents went through a scare when it was discovered that he had a “mass” on his brainstem. Yet he will graduate from high school this spring! We are also truly admire our brother-in-law and my sister (Director of NF Midwest) for their absolute dedication and determination in raising NF awareness, funds for research, and raising their children with the challenges that can arise having NF.

Once again this year we face the very real possibility of NF programs and the promise of research being harmed by the bad economy. We know times are scary and uncertain and many of us need to watch our finances, but where else can you find a better investment right now than research and hope? Help erase the fear and uncertainty of NF and invest in a better future for millions.

If you are unable to make it the day of the NF walk, you can still support our team by donating here.

Many thanks for your generosity. Please forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate, too!

Sincerely,

 Rhonda Clark

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page for Neurofibromatosis Midwest!

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

p.s. If you would like to see a pic of my nephew go to this link

 www.nfmidwest.org/contact_us.html