Seeding NF Research (Throwback Thursday)

Pictured L to R Kim Bischoff (representing NF Midwest), Naomi Stonberg, Alcino Silva, Dr. Howard Fingert (from NF Northeast) Karen Peluso (from NF Northeast), Kathy Price (Texas NF)

Members of NF Midwest, NF Northeast and Texas NF visited Cold Spring Harbor laboratory in New York in the 90s. Included in the visit was Dr. Alcino Silva whose research  was funded by NF Midwest in 1997, 2000, 2002 and 2006.  NF Midwest was an early funder of Dr. Silva’s work on learning disabilities in NF mice. It was through this research that Dr. Silva’s team discovered that Lovastatin (a common cholesterol lowering drug) reversed learning disabilities in these mice. That research has now gone on to clinical trials in children and adults with NF with results expected soon.

NF Midwest, NF Northeast and Texas NF have a long history of “seeding and feeding” neurofibromatosis research and were the first U.S. NF organizations able to support “up and coming” researchers and research projects.

We have the heart in our NF logo, because people and families struggling with NF will always be in our heart.

In honor of another Throwback Thursday, we thank those who worked so hard to many years ago – many of them are still in the trenches today. We also thank our donors and the everyone that supports the cause yesterday, today or tomorrow!