May is NF Awareness Month

NF means Neurofibromatosis. Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that can cause tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body and may lead to blindness, bone abnormalities, cancer, deafness, disfigurement, learning disabilities and excruciating and disabling pain. NF affects one in 3,000 people of all populations; there is no effective treatment or cure. Neurofibromatosis manifests itself in a number of ways, so we need many ways to fight neurofibromatosis. Our lives are personally touched by this disorder. Our daughter, Mia, was diagnosed as an infant and is now 16 years old. She is an aspiring teenager with a lot of character, drive and determination. Although many see her as a very normal teenager, she is living with NF. NF reared its ugly head, causing seizures at the age of 11 resulting, in the diagnosis of a brain tumor.

While Mia leads a very normal life despite her tumor, many do not have that opportunity because of NF manifestations that hinder their lifestyles in much greater ways. We have made it our mission to bring awareness of NF, allowing others to be attentive to something as simple as multiple birthmarks, aka "cafe au lait spots." If you would like to learn more about Neurofibromatosis, please visit ctf.org.

Thank you.

Jeff and Michelle Schwettman, Scott City