Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic condition that causes tumors to grow either inside or on the outside of your body, and on February 18, Peter Kirkpatrick and his daughter Emily are asking you to come and run from Town Beach to Town Green in your undies.
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At 10 months Emily was diagnosed with NF 1 which causes tumors to grow on bones, organs and nerves inside her body.
At just 6 years old she had her leg amputated and with the help of a prosthetic she learnt to walk, but dad Peter says Emily’s story is more common than you may think.
“NF is more common than people think, but most people don’t know much, if anything, about it and assume it is quite rare,” Mr Kirkpatrick said.
“Some people with NF, like Emily, have tumors growing inside their body but for others with tumors growing on their skin it can be quite scary, confronting and daunting going out in public.
“As well as the tumors themselves, where they grow can also result in a range of other medical problems which can be life threatening, and is why we are wanting to raise funds and awareness.”
Related Content: Cupid’s Undies Run 2017
This will be the second year for the Cupid’s Undie Run in Port Macquarie, and Mr Kirkpatrick says everyone should come down and run the 1.1km route.
“The run is on Valentine’s Day weekend, so it is a Cupid, love theme and it is all about raising awareness, funds and love for those who are living with neurofirbomatosis and other genetic conditions in the community,” he said.
“It is a chance for them to see people coming together and showing them support, as there is no cure for NF and the Children’s Tumor Foundation receive no government funding.
“The idea is people get a little exposed and have people staring so they can get a glimpse into the life of someone living with NF.”
Emily says that everyone should head to Town Beach for the run because it will be great day.
“I think everyone from all over the Hastings should come and be involved because it will be really fun to run in your undies with your friends and family,” Emily said.
“Sometimes I get left out of doing things because people don’t understand what NF is, and the undies run is a way people can learn and raise awareness for what NF is and how hard it can be.”
To be a part of the Port Macquarie Cupid’s Undie Run register either as part of a team or as an individual online here or head to the local Facebook event here for more details.
