LANSING — State Rep. Henry Yanez (D-Sterling Heights) introduced a House Resolution today declaring May 2017 as Neurofibromatosis (NF) Awareness Month in Michigan. The disease causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body and can also affect the development of the brain, cardiovascular system, bones and skin.
“NF isn’t a disease that is well-known to the general public, but more than 125,000 Americans are living with it, and it affects one in 3,000 births,” said Yanez. “I’m happy to work with Sterling Heights Councilwoman Maria Schmidt who has sponsored a similar resolution at the city level, to bring awareness to this disease.”
NF affects all populations regardless of race, ethnicity or gender. The disorder can lead to blindness, deafness, bone abnormalities, disfigurement, learning disabilities, disabling pain and cancer. Efforts are ongoing to promote and sponsor medical research to find effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
“There are groups that are working hard to raise awareness of this condition and to provide access to health care, patient and family support, information, resources and youth programs,” said Yanez. “I hope that by passing this resolution, we can help create greater awareness of NF so that the families affected by this disease can get the health care and support they need to give those living with NF a good quality of life.”