The Run4Leah/CureNF Team will participate in its 11th annual Cure NF fundraiser at the Buffalo Marathon on Sunday, May 27. The Manth family of North Tonawanda will be joined by hundreds of volunteers, runners and supporters to run or walk to find a cure for neurofibromatosis (NF) in the full marathon (26.2 miles) or half marathon (13.1 miles). There is also a 5K on Saturday, May 26.
"Our family is so proud to have partnered with the Buffalo Marathon for the past 11 years," said John Manth, whose daughter, Leah, is affected by neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). "This relationship has helped raise over $400,000 for NF research. Run4Leah/CureNF has helped us raise much-needed awareness about neurofibromatosis with over 100 NF volunteers and runners that are present marathon weekend! This year we are hoping to have a great turn out with the Run4Leah 5K participants."
All the money raised in the Buffalo Marathon by the Run4Leah/CureNF Team will go toward NF2 research with the hopes of finding a meaningful treatment or cure for Leah and the many others with this disorder. To join the team or for more information, contact Anne Patterson at
[email protected].
Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder of the nervous system that causes tumors to form on the nerves anywhere in or on the body at any time and affects three times as many people as cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy combined. Neurofibromatosis Northeast's mission is to find a treatment and the cure for neurofibromatosis by promoting scientific research, creating awareness and supporting those who are affected by NF. For more information, call 781-272-9936 or visit
www.nfnortheast.org.
Meet Leah Manth
18-year-old Leah was diagnosed with NF2 in the summer of 2007. In the past 11 years, she has endured 13 major surgeries on her spine and brain. Leah has suffered facial paralysis, balance issues, a spinal fusion and has lost hearing in her right ear. For the past three years, Leah has been getting biweekly infusions of an experimental chemo therapy called Avastin. Most recently, Leah had a tumor removed that was compromising her airway.
Through this all, she continues to live her life every day to the fullest - and running is one of her true joys! She will be graduating high school in June and plans to attend Rochester Institute of Technology.
