Take Action
Progress in NF doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because people choose to care- and to act.
NF is a complex, lifelong condition that affects thousands of individuals and families across British Columbia. It affects every aspect of life for those it touches. Many individuals face delayed diagnosis, fragmented care, limited access to specialists, and few treatment options. Change requires more than awareness alone. It requires sustained effort, advocacy, and community.
Your support allows us to respond where the need is greatest and to work toward long-term, meaningful change:
Offer one-to-one support ~ Provide personalized guidance to help individuals and families navigate diagnosis, care, and next steps.
Advocate for better care and access ~ Work to improve treatment options, drug access, and healthcare pathways for people living with NF.
Provide trusted education and resources ~ Create clear, accessible information for individuals, families, educators, and healthcare providers.
Foster connection and community ~ Hosting symposiums, events, and gatherings that reduce isolation and connect people to expertise and one another.
There is no single way to make a difference. Whether you donate, volunteer, raise awareness, or share your story, your involvement contributes to real change for people living with NF. With your help, individuals and families don’t have to navigate it alone.
You don’t need to be an expert.
You don’t need to be affected by NF.
You just need to be willing to take a step.
Explore our Impact to see how the generosity of our community is making a difference.
Raise Awareness
NF affects thousands of people across British Columbia yet most people have never heard of it.
Because NF is a complex, and often misunderstood, individuals and families can face delayed diagnosis, limited access to informed care, and a lack of public understanding. Awareness plays a critical role in changing that.
When more people understand NF:
- Signs are recognized earlier
- Healthcare providers are better informed
- Stigma and misunderstanding are reduced
- Families feel seen, supported, and less alone
Raising awareness helps create a community where people living with NF are recognized for who they are . not just what others see, or don’t see.
NF Awareness Month – May
Each May, during NF Awareness Month, individuals, families, and communities across British Columbia come together to help bring NF out of the shadows.
NF looks different for everyone.
Some people live with visible tumours.
Others live with pain, hearing loss, learning challenges, or symptoms no one can see.
Awareness helps make space for all of these experiences.
Awareness takes many forms
Raising awareness doesn’t require a big platform and it doesn’t have to happen only in May. Awareness can happen year-round, and every action helps move understanding forward.
You can:
- Share NF information with friends, family, or colleagues
- Talk openly about NF and correct common misconceptions
- Participate in NF Awareness Month activities
- Help invite local landmarks to Shine a Light on NF
- Share our #NFtruth campaign and resources
Together, these actions help build understanding- one conversation, one community at a time.
Because awareness is often the first step toward better care.
Shine a Light on NF
Each May, communities across British Columbia help bring NF into view by lighting up landmarks in blue and green.
Shine a Light on NF is a visible show of support. It is a reminder to those living with NF that they are seen, and an invitation for others to learn more. Every illuminated building sparks conversation, curiosity, and connection.
With your help, these moments of light help make NF visible – across BC.
Interested in joining Shine a Light on NF?
If your organization or a landmark in your community would like to participate in this awareness initiative, we’d be happy to connect. Please reach out to our team at info@tumourfoundation.ca
Download our template email to request participation in your city.
We are grateful for the continued support of our 2025 Shine a Light on NF partners:
- Port Coquitlam City Hall
- Port Moody City Hall
- New Westminster City Hall
- BC Place
- Canada Place
- Science World
- Vancouver Convention Centre
- Vancouver Lookout
- Burnaby City Hall and BC Parkway
- Legislative Assembly of Parliament Buildings, Victoria, BC
- TELUS Garden
- Victoria Street Bridge Trail, BC
- White Rock Pier
- Pacific Coliseum at the PNE
- Lafarge Lake and Light Columns along Pinetree Way
- Burrard Street Bridge
- Vancouver City Hall
- Bloedel Conservatory
Join Us
Volunteer with the Tumour Foundation of BC
The Tumour Foundation of BC exists because people choose to care, and choose to act.
Volunteers play an important role in nearly every part of our work. From awareness and advocacy to events, education, and behind-the-scenes support, volunteer support helps strengthen our impact and ensure individuals and families affected by NF are supported across British Columbia.
Whether you have a few hours to give or are looking for a deeper commitment, your involvement matters.
If you’re interested in volunteering with us, we would love to connect. Please reach out to our team at info@tumourfoundation.ca. We will follow up to learn more about your interests and share next steps.
Because no one should face NF alone, and it takes a community to make change possible.
There is no single way to volunteer- and every contribution makes a difference.
- You don’t need prior experience with NF.
- You don’t need a large time commitment.
- You just need a willingness to help.
Volunteers may support our work by:
- Helping raise awareness in communities across BC
- Supporting fundraising and awareness initiatives
- Assisting with events and community outreach
- Offering professional or organizational skills
- Supporting advocacy and education efforts
Share Your Story
Living with NF can be complex, unpredictable, and at times overwhelming. Every experience is different, and every story matters.
Sharing your story helps put a human face to NF. It also builds connection, deepens understanding, and reminds others in the community that they are not alone on this journey.
You don’t need to have the “right” words.
Your story doesn’t need to be polished or complete.
It just needs to be yours.Because awareness is often the first step toward better care.
Why Stories Matter
When individuals and families share their experiences with NF:
Community grows stronger
Stories help others feel seen, understood, and less isolated.
Awareness becomes real
Personal experiences help the public better understand what living with NF truly looks like beyond statistics or assumptions.
Advocacy is strengthened
Decision-makers are more likely to listen and act when they hear directly from those affected by NF.
Together, these stories help create change- not by speaking for the community, but by amplifying its voices.
How You Can Share
We offer two simple ways to share your story, depending on what feels most comfortable for you:
You can share as much or as little as you like, and we’ll work with you to ensure your story is shared in a way that feels respectful and empowering.
If you prefer to share privately or have questions before starting, you’re always welcome to reach out to us at info@tumourfoundation.ca
.
Your voice matters. And when you’re ready, we’re here to listen.
Nominate an NF Star
Exceptional care deserves to be seen.
The NF Star Award for Healthcare Excellence recognizes healthcare professionals in British Columbia who demonstrate outstanding dedication, compassion, and care for individuals living with neurofibromatosis (NF).
In a province without a dedicated NF clinic, patients and families often rely on healthcare providers who go above and beyond – navigating complex care, limited resources, and rare-condition realities with commitment and heart. The NF Star Award honours those individuals. It’s our way of saying thank you.
Nominate your healthcare hero today!.
Who Can Be Nominated?
Nominations are open to any healthcare professional in British Columbia who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to caring for individuals with NF.
This may include (but is not limited to):
- Physicians and specialists
- Nurses and nurse practitioners
- Allied health professionals
- Other healthcare providers involved in NF care
Who Can Nominate?
Members of the NF community, including individuals living with NF, parents, caregivers, and family members, are invited to submit nominations.
If a healthcare provider has made a meaningful impact on your journey, we encourage you to share your experience.
Recognizing exceptional care helps strengthen care for everyone.
How to Submit a Nomination
You don’t need to write anything formal or lengthy. Simply share why this healthcare professional stands out and how they have supported you or your family.
Nomination deadline: March 31, 2026
Take a minute to check out our past NF Star Award recipients.
Other ways to give
Your donations help today, but there are many other ways you can move the NF cause forward. Together, our actions help ensure that individuals and families affected by NF are supported both today and into the future.
Because no one should face NF alone.