Dialog Box

NF Awareness Month

Thank you for helping us to start a conversation about NF in May.

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Neurofibromatosis (NF) Awareness Month is held each year in May to improve understanding of the signs and symptoms of NF, to share the stories of real people affected by the condition and to educate Australians on the diagnosis and treatment.

In May 2021 you helped us to start a national conversation about NF to ensure every Australian impacted is supported and every Australian not impacted is made NF aware.

NF occurs in 1 of every 2,500 people, affecting more than 2.5 million people around the world. So why don’t more people know about it? Because there is no simple way to define NF. It's impact can be both visible and invisible. You may barely notice you have it or it could be life-threatening.

You could lose your sight or hearing. You could have bone abnormalities and learning difficulties. You could live in chronic pain or develop cancer. Social isolation, anxiety and depression are not uncommon. There is no way to know your fate. You watch and you wait. You grieve for what you lost.

NF has lived in the shadows for far too long.

LET'S BRING NF OUT OF THE SHADOWS THIS MAY
For such a long time, the NF community have felt invisible, under-funded and under-recognised. This year, we teamed up with renowned international photographer Scott Ehler to create a new video and capture striking imagery that will help tell an important story about what it means to both live with NF and bring it out of the shadows.
Scott has worked with talent such as Prince Harry, Katy Perry and Chris Hemsworth and has graced titles such as Vogue and Harpers Bazaar. He has given his time freely to ensure that our message is both seen and heard.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

LET'S MAKE NF SHINE

Make NF Shine is an initiative that brings NF out of the shadows and into the community as part of NF Awareness Month.

By lighting up buildings, monuments and landmarks blue and green on and around May 17, we put NF in the spotlight and start a national conversation about a condition that has been invisible for far too long.

2021 will be the first year that the Children's Tumour Foundation will be joining this global movement initiated by the Children's Tumor Foundation in the US.

SEE PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS make nf shine at home

GO BLUE & GREEN At school or work

People with NF and other genetic conditions often feel isolated, misunderstood and alone. BUT, talking openly about NF can be the first step in building understanding and acceptance amongst peers.

We want you to help us celebrate diversity (including genetic diversity) by bringing NF out of the shadows and demonstrating that our differences don’t have to divide us, but can bring us closer.

WHY DRESS IN BLUE AND GREEN? To help us start a national conversation about NF.

REGISTER YOUR SCHOOL OR WORKPLACE

GET YOUR MERCHANDISE

Blue and green are the two colours that represents NF around the world. You can show your support of people living with NF by wearing your NF Awareness on your chest! Or on your car!

You can purchase exclusive Children's Tumour Foundation merchandise, including brand new NF ribbons, car stickers and packs by visiting our online store.

Fundraising packs also include a coin box to collect money.

Go to the CTF Store

fundraise for us

When you fundraise for us or make a donation, you’re helping support those living with NF, a genetic condition that affects as many as 1 in every 2,500 people in Australia.

Whether it’s organising a Bunnings BBQ with family and friends, shaving or colouring your hair or beard; or maybe you have decided to donate your birthday on Facebook, fundraising for the CTF during May will help us start a national conversation about NF while raising much needed funds.

We encourage you to choose something that aligns with your experience and your strengths.

START A FUNDRAISER A-Z OF FUNDRAISING IDEAS

NF AWARENESS MONTH RESOURCES

Download useful assets like our facebook frame, social media graphics and zoom backgrounds
DIGITAL TOOLKIT

Find useful information about Neurofibromatosis, the Children's Tumour Foundation and our impact.
AWARENESS RESOURCES

Want help to get started fundraising? Here are some helpful tips and tricks to ensure you achieve your fundraising goal!
FUNDRAISING RESOURCES

SHARE YOUR STORY

Sharing your NF story can be an empowering experience. It may help you to cope with a diagnosis, remind yourself of challenges overcome and validate how you have been feeling. Through their telling, it also helps create a greater sense of community. It is important to feel like you are not alone and that your experiences may help others too.

If you would like to share your story, we want to hear from you.

We are all about inspiring people – that means sharing the ups and the downs. We know you are incredible and that your child is incredible. Now is your turn to shine.

SHARE YOUR STORY READ OTHER PEOPLE'S STORIES

For questions or to request more information on NF Awareness Month and how you can support, please contact us at fundraising@ctf.org.au