Walk to cure neurofibromatosis to be held at Veterans Park

Veterans Park will once again play host to Alabama’s NF Walk Oct. 16. The 3-mile walk raises money for the Children’s Tumor Foundation, an organization that supports research to cure neurofibromatosis.

Neurofibromatosis, or NF for short, is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. The condition can lead to blindness, bone abnormalities, cancer, deafness, disfigurement, learning disabilities and disabling pain. There is no cure or treatment for NF. 

During this year’s walk, adults and children of any age will take part in activities including carnival games, live music, dancing, face painting, children’s activities and a raffle-prize drawing. There also will be food and drinks. 

The Alabama NF Walk is one of 40 walks put on by the Children’s Tumor Foundation nationwide. NF Walk Manager Jessica Beckerman said Alabama’s is one of the largest. The average attendance rate for other walks is about 200 people, but Alabama’s usually draws between 500 and 600. 

“It’s one of our biggest events,” Beckerman said. “The community really comes together for it.”

The walk is superhero themed to celebrate and honor local “NF heroes” who are living with the disorder. Registration is $20 for adults, $10 for children and free for children younger than 3. Check-in for the race is at 1 p.m. The walk is at 2 p.m. with announcements, raffles and other activities following.  

To learn more about the walk or register, go to nfwalk.org/Alabama.