news · 2018-03-01 · volume 25, no. 1 fall 2013 deniro continued on page 8 promoting research,...

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Five years ago, if you asked me what NF was, I would have said “I’ve never heard of it.” Unfortunately, now I am reminded of NF every day when I look at my son Deniro. In fact, those two letters that are so insignificant to many have become my world, my life, and my fight! Deniro, my second son, was born in 2007. It was the perfect pregnancy and he was the perfect baby. His one week check-up was fine except for a couple of small tan birthmarks that his doctor discovered. His pediatrician called them “café au lait” birthmarks, or CAL spots, as she began to count them. Because of the close atten- tion paid to them by the doctor, I made a mental note of what they were called. I remember heading straight home and jumping on the computer to look up café au lait birthmarks. That day marked the day that Google introduced me to neurofi- bromatosis: deformity, tumors, cancer…the websites spit out all sorts of terrifying information and I was horrified. I searched and searched until I discovered a site that told me what I wanted to hear. Café au lait spots can be found on all children even if they don’t have NF. This statement got me through the next year and a half. By this time, my husband Dean, two sons, Domenic and Deniro and I were living a typical happy life. Only occasionally did I think about NF and Deniro was doing great. However, we noticed that he had spoken few words for his age and didn’t seem as active as he should have been. I got the ball rolling for Early Intervention Services and took him to see a neurologist, because his pediatrician had noticed that the left side of his face appeared to be slightly droopy and she wanted to rule out any muscle or nerve damage. I wasn’t too alarmed though since everything discussed had a reasonable explanation and didn’t necessarily signify anything too worrisome. A month later, Deniro had an appointment with a neurologist who ordered an MRI that showed a few “unidentified bright objects” on his cerebellum. She said this is common in children with NF and she recommended that Deniro be seen by an NF clinic affiliated doctor. The doctor at the NF clinic told us Deniro was suspected of having NF, but we would have to wait and see if other symptoms developed. I asked a few questions and by the time I left the NF clinic, I had grasped onto the an- swers I wanted to hear, “there are children who have similar symptoms to Deniro that do not have NF.” Looking back, I now realize I only wanted to hear positive feedback and could not face the reality of the negative. We got through another year while our family doubled in size as we welcomed the birth of our identical twin girls. We went in for his annual visit at the NF clinic not really expecting anything new. I had asked for genetic testing and this time the doctor agreed and also ordered another MRI. NEWS NEUROFIBROMATOSIS NORTHEAST Volume 25, No. 1 Fall 2013 Deniro continued on page 8 Promoting Research, Awareness and Advocacy since 1988 Hope For Deniro written by Jessica Bruno Jessica and Dean Bruno with their children Deniro Daniel Pierce Lyndon State College, Freshman year Kelly Robbins Western New England University, Senior year Stephan Zepeda LeColst Rochester Institute of Technology, Freshman year Emily George State University of New York, Oswego, Freshman year John Cultrara, Jr. Erie Community College Freshman year NFNE Scholarship Recipients Learn more about the NF Scholarship Program on page 10

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Page 1: NEWS · 2018-03-01 · Volume 25, No. 1 Fall 2013 Deniro continued on page 8 Promoting Research, Awareness and Advocacy since 1988 Hope For Deniro written by Jessica Bruno Jessica

Five years ago, if you asked me what NF was, I would have said “I’ve neverheard of it.” Unfortunately, now I am reminded of NF every day when I look atmy son Deniro. In fact, those two letters that are so insignificant to many havebecome my world, my life, and my fight!Deniro, my second son, was born in 2007. It was the perfect pregnancy and he

was the perfect baby. His one week check-up was fine except for a couple of smalltan birthmarks that his doctor discovered. His pediatrician called them “café au lait”birthmarks, or CAL spots, as she began to count them. Because of the close atten-tion paid to them by the doctor, I made a mental note of what they were called.

I remember heading straight home and jumping on the computer to look up caféau lait birthmarks. That day marked the day that Google introduced me to neurofi-bromatosis: deformity, tumors, cancer…the websites spit out all sorts of terrifyinginformation and I was horrified. I searched and searched until I discovered a sitethat told me what I wanted to hear. Café au lait spots can be found on all childreneven if they don’t have NF. This statement got me through the next year and a half.

By this time, my husband Dean, two sons, Domenic and Deniro and I were livinga typical happy life. Only occasionally did I think about NF and Deniro was doing

great. However, we noticed that he had spoken few words for his age and didn’t seem asactive as he should have been. I got the ball rolling for Early Intervention Services and tookhim to see a neurologist, because his pediatrician had noticed that the left side of his faceappeared to be slightly droopy and she wanted to rule out any muscle or nerve damage. Iwasn’t too alarmed though since everything discussed had a reasonable explanation anddidn’t necessarily signify anything too worrisome.

A month later, Deniro had an appointment with a neurologist who ordered an MRIthat showed a few “unidentified bright objects” on his cerebellum. She said this is commonin children with NF and she recommended that Deniro be seen by an NF clinic affiliateddoctor. The doctor at the NF clinic told us Deniro was suspected of having NF, but we would have to wait and see ifother symptoms developed. I asked a few questions and by the time I left the NF clinic, I had grasped onto the an-swers I wanted to hear, “there are children who have similar symptoms to Deniro that do not have NF.” Looking back,I now realize I only wanted to hear positive feedback and could not face the reality of the negative.

We got through another year while our family doubled in size as we welcomed the birth of our identical twingirls. We went in for his annual visit at the NF clinic not really expecting anything new. I had asked for genetic testingand this time the doctor agreed and also ordered another MRI.

NEWSNEUROFIBROMATOSIS NORTHEAST

Volume 25, No. 1 Fall 2013

Deniro continued on page 8

Promoting Research, Awarenessand Advocacy since 1988

Hope For Denirowritten by Jessica Bruno

Jessica and Dean Bruno with their children

Deniro

Daniel Pierce Lyndon State College, Freshman year

Kelly RobbinsWestern New England University, Senior year

Stephan Zepeda LeColstRochester Institute of Technology, Freshman year

Emily GeorgeState University of New York,Oswego, Freshman year

John Cultrara, Jr.Erie Community College Freshman year

NFNE Scholarship Recipients Learn more about the NF Scholarship Program on page 10

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NF Northeast News page 2

Reflections on 25 years...

Board of Directors

Dr. Paul D. Epstein, ChairmanRobert Ryan, Treasurer

Lori Ryan, RN, MS, SecretaryJohn Driscoll

David EisenstadtHenry Kay

Melissa MalerbaJohn ManthDavid Rokoff

Jessica Wolfe, PhD

Staff

Karen PelusoExecutive Director

Paul LaurentDirector of Development

Sonja NathanSpecial Events Director

Linda YewExecutive Associate and

Patient Outreach Coordinator

Jennifer BrickleyExecutive Associate/Marketing

....

The mission ofNeurofibromatosis Northeast is to find treatments and the

cure for neurofibromatosis bypromoting scientific research,

creating awareness, and providing hope and support tothose who are affected by NF.

Neurofibromatosis Northeast9 Bedford Street

Burlington, MA 01803 781-272-9936

[email protected]

Follow us onlinenfincne.org

beautymarknation.org

When our daughter was diagnosed with neu-rofibromatosis our lives took an unexpected turn downan unchartered road. At that time, there was very little accurate information about NF available to us, and itwas a hopeless feeling to know that hardly any scien-tists were even interested in studying NF. We didn’thave a road map for the journey that lay ahead of us,but we were driven forward by frustration and determi-nation.

Fortunately, there were many kind and gener-ous people we met along the way who knew a lot moreabout building a nonprofit organization than we did. Weowe them a debt of gratitude for mentoring us, proddingus, and sometimes carrying us. What started as a hand-ful of people sitting around a kitchen table has grown into Neurofibromatosis North-east, an organization that I am proud to say, has had a huge impact on the fight tocure NF and is a highly regarded resource for patients and families.

The changes over the past 25 years have been astounding, and today, whenpatients are given the diagnosis of NF they immediately have a place to turn to for in-formation, comfort and support. Plus, they can be buoyed by the fact that NF North-east has been a leader in advocacy. In addition to providing research grants to NFscientists at leading research institutions, NFNE has helped secure over $500 millionof federal funding for critical NF research.

I am so pleased that now all children can have the opportunity to attend campat no cost to their often financially burdened families. Camp is a safe haven wherechildren and teens who have NF can find acceptance and make lifelong friends. Iknow this firsthand, having seen the life changing effect that attending NF camp hadon our daughter.

The feelings of hopelessness I had so many years ago are gone, and I canfeel the energy all around us as we move closer to fulfilling our mission. That handfulof volunteers at the kitchen table has been transformed into a large, well informedand unwavering army in the fight to cure NF. We have built a momentum and we areunstoppable now. Together we will see this to the end.

Yours truly,

Bert Peluso

Bert PelusoCo-Founder

Neurofibromatosis Incorporated

While we are proud of the strides that have beenmade in our efforts to find treatments and the

cure for NF over the past 25 years, our work is not done.

With your help we are renewing our commitment to promote research,

create awareness and be a resource and advocate for NF patients.

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NF Northeast News page 3

From humble beginnings, and with the help of good friends along the way,NF Northeast has become a leader in the fight to cure NF.

NF, Inc., Mass Bay Area was founded in 1988, and the

name was later changed to NF Northeastto better reflect the area we serve

In the beginning, funds were raised atgolf tournaments and pizza parties

Along with promoting and funding research, support is given to NF clinics

at Boston Children’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital

Research grants have been presented to NF scientists

NF Northeast was a driving force behind the creation of the HarvardMedical School Center for NF and

Allied Disorders (CNfAD)

Since 1996, we haveadvocated for federally funded

research generating over$500 million for NF scientists

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Debra Boyle was spurred on byher eight year old son, Jeff, tohold a fundraiser for NF. She ap-proached a local retailer not farfrom their Farmington, CT home,and asked for permission to holda bake sale. Jeff, who has NF,really enjoyed the experienceand was a natural at fundraising.With the help of friends who as-sisted with baking and staffed the table, their effort to raise funds andawareness for NF yielded nearly $800. Jeff is thrilled by their first-time success and is looking forward to their next event.

NF Northeast News page 4

Committed to Curing NF

Steps2Cure NF Walk and 5K Road Race

15th Annual Fall Golf Classic

Over 500 people turned out on Saturday, November 2nd to support this tremendous effort spearheaded by NF Board memberMelissa Malerba and her husband, Mike.For the fourth year in a row, the Malerbashosted the fundraiser at Anthony’s in Maldenin honor of their son, Jonathan. The eveningfeatured a performance by comedian PaulGilligan, buffet dinner, dancing, a live andsilent auction and raffles. Many thanks go outto all the sponsors and donors as well as auctioneer “extraordinaire”, Merideth Ellis!

The 7th Annual Steps2Cure NF Walk/Run returned to Lake Quan-napowitt in Wakefield on Sunday, October 20th with over 250 peoplein attendance, including many families affected by NF. Children camein costume and participated in the KidsDash prior to the start of the walk and timedrun. Many then completed the 3 mile routewith their parents while picking up goodiesat stops along the way as part of the newlycreated “Treat Trail”. WROR radio person-ality Hank Morse emceed the event whileDean Bruno and Rich Moretti got the crowdenergized with upbeat music. NortheastRegional Ambulance Service and NealO’Brien, Jr. “Love is Magic” Foundation signed on as Silver Sponsors.Team Deniro, splendid in their red shirts, claimed the HighestFundraising team prize for an unprecedented third year in a row. Adebt of gratitude goes to Steps2Cure Chairperson and Founder LoriRyan for another well run event.

The tournament took place at Four OaksCountry Club in Dracut on Monday, Septem-ber 30th. This popularevent was started 15years ago by two largefamilies who have aloved one with NF. Aparticularly moving mo-ment of the day oc-curred when one of theevent’s founders, BillMahoney, took to thepodium during dinnerand spoke about hisgranddaughter and her experience with NF.The committee was pleased to have Callahan,Dewan & Murphy P.C. return as PlatinumSponsor.

Connecticut Family Raises Dough for NF at Bake Sale

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NF Northeast News page 5

Coast to the Cure Bike Rides

Boston MarathonNF Northeast has participated in theBoston Marathon for the past 25years. On Monday, April 15, 2013 twoof our team members had crossedthe finish line before the race wassuspended. Runners who weren’table to finish were invited to partici-pate in the 2014 event. Joining thoserunners will be additional participants,thanks to the John HancockMarathon Program.

Falmouth Road Race

28th Annual NF Golf Tournament at The International

Cyclists from as far as Quebec partici-pated in the 3rd Annual Coast to theCure bike rides amidst ideal weatherconditions. This year saw a change invenue for both the On-Road and Moun-tain Bike portions of the event as theyrelocated to Stage Fort Park in Gloucesterand Beverly Commons/Greenwood Ave. For-

est Preserve respectively. Afterwards cyclists, friends and family gathered at StageFort Park for a delicious BBQ and breathtaking views of Gloucester Harbor.Michelle Donovan, Captain of the Riding for Roo team, main-tained her title as Highest Fundraiser for the third consecutiveyear. Event sponsors were Grand Circle Corporation, Ipswich BayGlass, Leader Bank and New England BioLabs. A shout out toEvent Co-Chairs, Kate Duff and Dan McKee, for their leader-ship and considerable time spent on the On-Road routes, KevinMcKelvey for mapping the course at the new Mountain BikeChallenge location, and Keith Quenzel and Tony Spencer fortheir catering expertise.

Fifteen runners competed in the 41st running of theFalmouth Road Race on behalf of NeurofibromatosisNortheast. We’re looking to grow our team in 2014.

For the 28th year the exclusive International Golf Course was the locationfor this golf tournament - the cornerstone on which NF Northeast was built.

Participants enjoyed a wonderful day of golf anda BBQ lunch on the Pines and Oaks courses fol-lowed by dinner, a performance by funnymanand crowd favorite, Paul D’Angelo, and a liveauction. Shawn Feeney and Bob Lobel broughtit all home with an impassioned plea for CampNew Friends, and during the banquet specialtribute was paid to Anthony Athanas in apprecia-tion of his continued generosity. Dwight andSusan Evans returned as Honorary Chairs asdid longtime Presenting Sponsor Grand CircleCorporation. A big thank you goes to Steve Picardi for overseeing the effort as TournamentChairman.

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NF Northeast News page 6

25th Anniversary CelebrationNeurofibromatosis Northeast celebrated its25th Anniversary in grand style! Nearly 300people attended an elegant soiree at the BlackFalcon Cruise Terminal in Boston’s Seaport. Guests enjoyed “BeautyMark-tini’s”, the signa-ture drink for the evening, and were dazzled asmodels from the NF community walked the run-way wearing fashions from Ted Baker London.Following cocktails, they noshed on chef tast-ings from many of Boston’s signature restau-rants and pastries from the venerable Montilio’sBaking Company while reconnecting with oldfriends and making new ones.

Boston media personalities Jenny Johnsonand Billy Costa served as commentators forthe fashion show and did a stupendous job asGuest Auctioneers.

Naomi Stonberg and Liza McKelvey co-chaired this memorable event.

Ron Della Chiesa, WGBH Radio Host andVoice of the Boston Symphony, was theMaster of Ceremonies.

Fabiola LeColst,parent of a sonwith NF2, gave apassionate pres-entation that reminded guestswhy they werethere - to cure NF!

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The Board of Directors of Neurofibromatosis Northeast is pleased to announce theestablishment of a special new campaign to raise funds to support Advocacy and Aware-ness efforts. The award is named in honor of NFNE’s Executive Director, Karen Peluso,who has been a leader in the organization for 25 years. Karen was a member of thefounding board of NF, Incorporated, along with her husband, Bert, and has served as Ex-ecutive Director since 1994. The campaign’s launch coincides with the organization’s 25thAnniversary.

A tireless advocate on behalf of NF and someone who is committed to finding acure and making neurofibromatosis “a household word”, Karen has served as a memberof the Board of Directors of the National Neurofibromatosis Foundation and was Co-Presi-dent of the Massachusetts NNFF Chapter from 1985-1987. During that time she and Bertreceived the NNFF’s Courtemanche Award for Leadership. In 2006, Karen received the“Changing People’s Lives Award” from the Grand Circle Foundation in recognition of herNF advocacy.

To advance NF’s Advocacy and Awareness efforts, Karen has been making trips to Washington, D.C. since1996 to meet with members of Congress to promote NF research at the National level. She has testified before boththe House and Senate Defense Appropriations sub committees, and joined other leaders in NF advocacy to form theNational NF Coalition. Their combined efforts have resulted in the appropriation of over $500 million from the NationalInstitutes of Health and the Department of Defense for NF research purposes over the past 17 years.

Promoting advocacy and awareness is one of the most effective ways of reaching people and informing themabout NF. This fund is not only a fitting tribute to Karen and her life-long mission, but will allow NFNE to spread theword to a wider audience, a vital component to what the organization does.

Please consider making a contribution to this fund so that we can honor Karen and continue her work. For more information please contact Paul Laurent, Director of Development, NFNE at 781-272 9936 [email protected]. The Board of Directors and those affected by NF thank you!

NF Northeast News page 7

hana NEW

AMERICAN

CUISINE

Karen Peluso was honored at the 25th Anniversary Event

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As the day neared for Deniro’s MRI, I continued to stay positive only occasionally allowing the “what ifs” tohaunt me. The suspense was killing me. That night following the MRI, our doctor called with news that turned my lifeupside down. I remember my very first thought was, “How am I going to survive this”? Deniro was officially diagnosedwith NF. The MRI showed he had a plexiform neurofibroma in his left cheek. I didn’t even have enough time to do whatI did best, which was to deny the negative and hold on to the positive because the genetic testing results were alsoback and confirmed NF. There was no way to deny he had NF.

The next few days were very emotional. I was in a state of shock, being forced to face what I had so desper-ately tried to run away from these past couple of years. Several days were spent crying, filled with worry, fear and dis-belief that this was happening to my family. What got me through the last couple of years was hope and faith and now,I no longer had it. I couldn’t imagine what would happen to Deniro and all I wanted was to hide in my closet curled upin a ball to escape my reality; but I couldn’t. I had 4 children and a husband. I had to pull it together. Through all of theemotions I felt, I woke up one morning and had gained the courage, strength and drive to become my son’s lifelongadvocate. All things related to NF became a mission for me, my husband and our family.

We have since been actively involved in fundraising, advocacy and awareness. I spend endless hours on thecomputer networking with families across the country, sharing stories and discussing the latest in NF research. Myhusband has travelled to Washington D.C. in hopes of securing additional funding for research. The children are byour sides, although they don’t quite understand NF, they know that these two letters are important to our family, espe-cially Deniro.

Beauty Mark Nation was launched to raise awareness of NF. Many peoplewear a temporary tattoo that represents the “beauty marks” or café au laitspots of NF. The tattoos can be adorned to show support and raise aware-ness. NF is a permanent part of my life, which is why I opted for the per-manent tattoo. Our “tattoo day” came and I decided to bring a videocamera to capture the occasion mostly because no one knew my mother

(a straight and narrow nurse) was getting a tattoo. I posted a short video on Facebookand within minutes both of my brothers were on the phone with her in disbelief. While wewere getting our tattoos I knew I was doing it for Deniro and others affected by NF, butafter watching the video I realized that my tattoo became my own personal symbol re-minding me of my mission. Believe it or not, it makes me feel better every time I look at it.I remember the terrifying feelings I once had after learning about Deniro’s diagnosis, butsince then, this tattoo reminds me of that turning point: the day I woke up with this suddensurge of strength to fight for Deniro. The fight continues; I do have some bad days where I question “why Deniro,” butmost of the time, I glance at my tattoo and remember it symbolizes my “Hope for Deniro!”

NF Northeast News page 8Deniro continued from page 1

Jessica and her mother Regina Hale display their tattoos

Beauty Mark Nation Marches On!It has been two years since Beauty Mark Nation was launched and with the help ofthe NF Network, Facebook and Twitter, the Beauty Mark Nation tattoo has gone international. Beauty Mark Nation has been present at NF walks and events all overthe United States, and has been established in countries as far away as NewZealand and South Africa.

Did you see the billboard campaign that has been on a major highway in Massachusetts?

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NF Northeast News page 9

SCIENTIFIC PEER REVIEW OF NEUROFIBROMATOSIS RESEARCH APPLICATIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSENeurofibomatosis advocate, Michelle Hirsch Donovan, recently participated in the

evaluation of research applications submitted to the Neurofibromatosis Research Program(NFRP) sponsored by the Department of Defense. Michelle was nominated for participationin the program by Neurofibromatosis Northeast. As a consumer reviewer, she was a full vot-ing member, along with prominent scientists, at meetings to help determine how the $15Mappropriated by Congress for Fiscal Year 2013 (FY13) will be spent on future neurofibro-matosis research.

Commenting on serving as a consumer reviewer, Michelle said that “My experienceas a consumer reviewer was extremely positive, rewarding, and educational. It allowed meto bridge my personal experience with neurofibromatosis [my 8 year old daughter has NF1]with my background as a physician-scientist. It was exciting and encouraging to see thecutting edge research proposals that could potentially have profound effects on those withNF, and I was honored to be able to offer my opinions regarding proposal impact. The staff and scientific reviewerswere wonderful to work with, and they clearly respected the opinions of the consumer reviewers. To this effect, it wasgreat to observe the overall evaluation process being based on both scientific merit as well as potential impact for pa-tients, which is a unique set-up provided by the DOD. Additionally, I am thankful to NFNE for giving me this unique op-portunity to be ‘proactive’ on behalf of all those affected by NF.”

The Department of Defense Neurofibromatosis Research Program (NFRP) fills important gaps not addressedby other funding agencies by supporting groundbreaking, high-risk, high-gain research while encouraging out-of-the-box thinking.

More information about the Department of Defense Neurofibromatosis Research Program is available at the Website: http://cdmrp.army.mil

Michelle Hirsch Donovan, MD, PhD

NF Awareness and Advocacy

Governor Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island met with NF families to show his support. Chafee joined other New

England Governors who signed proclamations declaring May is NF Awareness Month

Advocacy is one of the most important ongoing pro-grams of our organization. By visiting with membersof Congress, educating them about NF and askingfor their support for federally funded research, wehave seen significant scientific advances made bythe DOD NF Research Program as well as throughthe National Institutes of Health. These efforts havepaid off, but we need everyone to help. Please writeor call your Representative or Senators and tellthem that NF research is important to you.

Determined to makeneurofibromatosis ahousehold word, we

have an ongoing publicawareness campaign.With more awareness -

more funds for NF research will follow.

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NF Northeast Scholarship recipient Stephan LeColst is in his first year at the Rochester Insti-tute of Technology (RIT). Stephan has NF2 and, as a result of tumor compression in thebrain, has lost his hearing completely. RIT caught Stephan’s attention early on since the Na-tional Technical Institute for the Deaf is one of nine colleges on the RIT campus. An out-standing high school student with a gift for math, Stephan was accepted into one of themainstream programs, the Thomas Golisano College of Computer and Information Sciences,with NTID support. He lives in a residence hall that is equipped with strobe lights for fire

alarms along with other visual cues andhas access to ASL interpreters, notetaking c-print (live close captioning dur-ing classes) and other services avail-able for the deaf. One positive aspect is that RIT is home tomany individuals well-versed in sign language. Although farfrom his Massachusetts home, he has access to a neuro-oncolo-gist and neurologist at a hospital a mere ten minutes away fromschool. We congratulate Stephan on his hard work and wish himthe best of luck in his studies at RIT!

Scholarship Program

NF Northeast News page 10

Paul H. Laurent has been appointed Director of Development for Neu-rofibromatosis Northeast to lead and grow our development activitiesat a pivotal point in the organization’s 25 year history. Paul brings to

the role significant development experience plus a sound mix of international not-for-profitand private sector work, especially in the conduct of donor outreach, business development,marketing and brand development. Paul comes to NFNE from United Way of MassachusettsBay & Merrimack Valley where he was Senior Director, Major Donor Engagement and wasresponsible for cultivating and stewarding relationships with major donors and prospectsacross all industries.

Paul holds a BA from Tufts University, and an MA from the University of Birmingham,England. Paul has served as Director and Deputy Chairman of the Midlands chapter of theBritish American Business Council (the largest transatlantic business network), served as amember of the Board of Overseers at Plimoth Plantation and is currently a sitting member ofthe Natick School Committee having been re-elected to another 3 year term in 2013.

Paul Laurent

Staff News

Dylan Flynn has NF1 and underwent surgery for a brain tumor last year. Team IMPACT, a non-profit organiza-tion dedicated to creating unparalleled team based support systems for kids whoare facing life threatening illnesses, introduced Dylan to the Boston UniversityBasketball Team who ‘drafted’ him as one of their own. Now, Dylan attends prac-tice and games where he helps out and cheers his new friends on. To show theirsupport and friendship for Dylan, the team participated in Steps2Cure NF wherethey joined in all the activities. Dylan is shown in the center of the photo on theleft surrounded by “his team”. If you know someone who could benefit fromTeam IMPACT, contact them at www.goteamimpact.org.

Leah Manth may face many challenges be-cause of her NF2 but she has inspired many people to get involved to show support andraise funds for NF2 research. For the past 6 years, hundreds of runners and volunteers haveparticipated in “Team Run4Leah” and raised over $250,000 running the Buffalo Marathon.

Leah also inspired the members of the St. Canisius College Women’s BasketballTeam who asked her to become an honorary member of their team, and they established anincentive - “3 for A Cure” to raise funds for NF2 research. Leah has become more than amember of the team, she and her family have become lifelong friends with these remarkableyoung women - some who are shown at right visiting Leah after her recent surgery.

Inspire, Motivate, Play Against Challenges Together – Making a Big IMPACTNF teens drafted by College Athletic Teams

Profile on 2013 NF Northeast Scholarship recipient Stephan Zepeda LeColst:

The NF Northeast Scholarships are awarded to as-sist persons with neurofibromatosis (NF) to con-tinue their education after high school. Grants of$1,000 are awarded annually to go towards collegerelated expenses, such as tuition/fees and books.This program was established with funds raised atthe Steps2Cure NF road races and walks.

Application information is on the NFNE website

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December 2013

Dear Friends,

As this very special year winds to a close, I wanted to share with you just what a phenomenal12 months it has been for Neurofibromatosis Northeast.

NF has been making forward strides in so many ways, especially in our events which con-tinue to grow in participation and income. As noted in the newsletter, each of our signatureevents has been a success this year and has helped raise both awareness and funds to finda cure for neurofibromatosis – our ultimate goal!

2013 was the year that NF Northeast celebrated its 25th anniversary – a fantastic milestone for any organization – andthe gala event on April 4, 2013 was attended by upwards of 300 people. It was a great success and a wonderful nightthat received significant media coverage, as well; the evening was a true testament to our collective strength.

That strength is only matched by your generosity, which is greatly valued and so very encouraging to the patients andfamilies who live with NF every day. By making an annual gift at this time, you are taking a bold and supportive stand.Your contribution is vital and very much appreciated. With your support, we will:

• Improve awareness about neurofibromatosis through social media outlets, ad campaigns and Beauty Mark Nation;

• Fund scientific and clinical research;• Lobby Congress to increase federal funding for crucial neurofibromatosis research;• Provide college scholarships as well as funding for children with NF to attend Camp New Friends, and;• Serve as a resource for patients, physicians/nurses and educators.

Please help us keep this hard fought momentum going by making your donation, today.Thank you for your kindness and generosity; we could not continue without you.

Sincerely,

Paul David Epstein, DMDPresident of the Board

NF Northeast News page 11

Programs 83.1%

Administration 10.6%

Fundraising 6.3%

The chart above displays our functional expenses for the year 2012.thegivingcommon.org

The Giving Common is an initiative of the Boston Foundation.

Donors are invited to visit their site to read an overview of

NF Northeast as well as detailed information about our programs,

management, governance and financials.

A letter from the President of the Board of Directors

Dr. Paul Epstein

Secure donations may be made through our website at www.nfincne.org

Please make checks payable to NF Northeast Mail to - 9 Bedford Street, Burlington, MA 01803

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NF Camp is one of the programs that NFNE

sponsors with the help of generous donors

At Camp New Friends, children and teens gain a better understanding of

their condition, strengthsand self-worth

Please consider making a

donation todayto support our

work