Families, friends, and supporters from across Metro Detroit and Michigan will gather on Saturday, September 19, for the 2026 Michigan NF Walk—a family-friendly event supporting people affected by neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis.
The walk will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at the Trails Edge Pavilion in Addison Oaks County Park, located at 1480 West Romeo Road in Leonard.
The event is part of a nationwide series organized by the Children’s Tumor Foundation, a nonprofit organization devoted to advancing treatments and ultimately finding a cure for neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis—conditions commonly grouped together under the abbreviation “NF.”
What Is NF?
Neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis are genetic conditions that cause tumors to grow along nerves throughout the body. According to the Children’s Tumor Foundation, these conditions affect approximately one in every 2,000 births and an estimated four million people worldwide.
The effects can differ greatly from one person to another. Some people experience relatively mild symptoms, while others face serious complications, including chronic pain, learning difficulties, hearing or vision loss, bone abnormalities, disfigurement, and certain cancers.
Although important medical advances have been made and treatments are now available for some NF-related tumors, there is presently no cure.
More Than a Walk
The NF Walk is the signature community fundraising event of the Children’s Tumor Foundation. It was previously known as the Shine a Light NF Walk, but received a simpler name for the 2026 season while keeping the same purpose.
These walks bring together patients, caregivers, relatives, researchers, medical professionals, and community supporters. For families living with NF, the gathering is an opportunity to meet others who understand their experiences, celebrate progress, remember loved ones, and find encouragement.
Walk-day activities vary by location but typically include opening ceremonies, team photographs, children’s activities, community partners, personal stories, and opportunities for families to connect.
Registration is free. Participants may register individually, create or join a team, volunteer, raise funds, or make a donation even if they cannot attend.
Supporting Research and Treatment
Money raised through the walks supports the Children’s Tumor Foundation’s efforts to move promising scientific discoveries toward practical treatments.
The foundation supports research grants, clinical trials, patient registries, emerging researchers, and partnerships involving universities, government agencies, medical centers, and pharmaceutical companies.
The organization describes the walk’s purpose in simple terms: moving faster toward research, treatments, and a future in which people living with NF have the medical help they need.
The Michigan gathering offers local residents a pleasant and meaningful way to support that work. Addison Oaks County Park provides a beautiful Oakland County setting where participants of different ages and abilities can come together around families affected by these often misunderstood conditions.
Event Information
2026 NF Walk Michigan
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: Noon–4 p.m.
Location: Trails Edge Pavilion, Addison Oaks County Park
Address: 1480 W. Romeo Road, Leonard, MI 48367
Registration: Free
Phone: 800-323-7938
Email: nfwalk@ctf.org
Participants can register, form a team, join an existing team, or donate through the official Michigan NF Walk page.
More information about the walk program and the work of the Children’s Tumor Foundation is available at the official NF Walk website. Local Event Website
Every person who participates helps bring greater public attention to NF—and reminds affected Michigan families that they do not face these conditions alone.
