Got an idea for a holiday? Send it to us

Submit Now

Neurofibromatosis Month – May 2024

Neurofibromatosis Month is observed in May every year. This month is set aside and observed throughout the country. The aim is to raise awareness and improve the visibility of this disease where tumors grow in the nervous system. The disease is not cancerous but can cause a range of symptoms and issues in patients. Spots, bumps, scoliosis, hearing and vision loss, muscle wasting, balance issues, and pain across the body are common symptoms of neurofibromatosis. There is no known cure for neurofibromatosis and treatment comprises the management of symptoms.

History of Neurofibromatosis Month

Neurofibromatosis Month is observed throughout the country in the month of May. It is an important way of improving the visibility of this disease among doctors and the general population to allow for early detection. The earlier that the disease is detected, the easier it is for individuals to manage their symptoms.

Neurofibromatosis is a group of three conditions. In all these conditions tumors grow on nerves throughout the body. The three types of neurofibromatosis are N.F.1, N.F.2, and N.F.3. All these types are caused by mutations in specific genes called ‘oncogenes.’ This is a gene that has the potential to cause cancer. Despite this, the tumors that are caused by neurofibromatosis are rarely cancerous. Different mutations in the oncogenes cause the different types of the disease.

There is no known cure for any of the different types of neurofibromatosis. The disease is likely genetic, but there is insufficient research done into the causes. More often than not, neurofibromatosis occurs spontaneously during early development. This makes it an important cause of concern for children. The symptoms of the disease typically worsen with time and the tumors may become cancerous. At this point, the tumors are removed surgically. Raising awareness and educating people about neurofibromatosis is of great importance. It may help people with the disease with early diagnosis and treatment to manage symptoms. The month is also an opportunity for people living with the disease to share their stories that give hope to people who have been newly diagnosed with the disease.

Neurofibromatosis Month timeline

1st Century A.D.
Descriptions Record the Disease

Descriptions of symptoms that match neurofibromatosis are recorded in medical practice.

1882
The Disease is Formally Described

German pathologist Friedrich Daniel von Recklinghausen formally describes neurofibromatosis.

1900s
Research Into Neurofibromatosis Increases

From 1909 onwards, the research into the conditions increases.

1987
Different Types Identified

A panel of the National Institutes of Health identifies the different types of neurofibromatosis.

Neurofibromatosis Month FAQs

What is the life expectancy of someone with neurofibromatosis?

People with neurofibromatosis have a normal life expectancy, barring any complications.

What does a neurofibroma feel like?

Neurofibroma can feel like knots or cords underneath the skin.

Can diet help N.F.1?

Changes to diet can help manage symptoms of N.F.1.

How to Observe Neurofibromatosis Month

  1. Educate people about N.F.

    Many people don’t know about N.F. and make unfounded assumptions. Educate your friends and family about this disease during this month.

  2. Contribute to fundraising campaigns

    There is no known cure for this disease. Support people with N.F. by contributing to researchers looking to improve their quality of life and find a cure. This is the best form of help.

  3. Share patients’ stories

    Diseases like N.F. can be very isolating. Share stories of people with N.F. and help others with the disease feel less alone. It also motivates newer patients.

5 Facts About Neurofibromatosis That You Probably Didn’t Know

  1. N.F.1 doesn’t need prolonged treatment

    People with N.F.1 need to be monitored periodically by a specialist but typically don’t need long-term treatment.

  2. Vision loss is common with N.F.2

    Children and teenagers with N.F.2 can develop cataracts and frequently the disease is diagnosed as a result of vision loss.

  3. Many people have the disease

    About two million around the world suffer from one of the three different types of the disease.

  4. The tumors can affect the entire body

    The tumors associated with N.F. primarily grow on the nerves, but they can spread to the brain, cardiovascular system, bones, and skin.

  5. Clinical trials are ongoing

    Current treatments are limited, but clinical trials are in progress to improve the quality of life for people with N.F.

Why Neurofibromatosis Month is Important

  1. We want to spread the word

    We think that more people should be aware of N.F., so they can get genetic counseling. We also think that people should be informed about the available treatments if they suspect they have N.F.

  2. We want to educate people

    People who have visible symptoms of N.F. are often reduced to their disease. We want to educate people so that they learn how to accommodate and treat people with the disease.

  3. We want to support patients

    We think that patients with N.F. have difficult lives, and we want to help them. We want to support them in their treatments and help fund research that improves their quality of life.

Neurofibromatosis Month dates

YearDateDay
2024May 1Wednesday
2025May 1Thursday
2026May 1Friday
2027May 1Saturday
2028May 1Monday
Hurricane Preparedness Week
National Physical Education and Sport Week
Aces Day
Agriculture and Labor Day
Beltane
Blessing Day
Calan Mai
Couple Appreciation Day
CSS Reboot Day
Executive Coaching Day
Frequent Flyer Day
Global Love Day
Great American Grump Out
International Doodle Dog Day
International Sunflower Guerilla Gardening Day
Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 Day
Labor Day Philippines
Learn to Ride a Bike Day
Lei Day
Marshall Islands Constitution Day
May Day
Mother Goose Day
National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day
National Black Barber Shop Appreciation Day
National Chocolate Parfait Day
National Infertility Survival Day
National Interpreter Appreciation Day
National Loyalty Day
National Mantra Day
National Purebred Dog Day
National Rotate Your Beer Day
National Skilled Trades Day
National Skilled Trades Day
New Homeowners Day
Phone in Sick Day
Save The Rhino Day
School Principals' Day
Silver Star Banner Day
Therapeutic Massage Awareness Day
Worthy Wage Day
ALS Awareness Month
American Cheese Month
American Wetlands Month
Anxiety Awareness Month
Arthritis Awareness Month
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Awareness of Medical Orphans Month
Be Kind to Animals Month
Bealtaine Festival
Better Sleep Month
Better Speech and Hearing Month
Bladder Cancer Awareness Month
Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month
Brain Cancer Awareness Month
Building Safety Month
Celiac Awareness Month
Chip Your Pet Month
Chronic Fatigue Awareness Month
Clean Air Month
Community Action Month
Correct Posture Month
Creative Beginnings Month
Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month
Date Your Mate Month
Deck Safety Month
EDS Awareness Month
Electromagnetic Radiation Awareness Month
Family Wellness Month
Fibromyalgia Education and Awareness Month
Food Allergy Action Month
Fungal Infection Awareness Month
Gardening for Wildlife Month
Get Caught Reading Month
Gifts From The Garden Month
Global Employee Health and Fitness Month
Global Youth Traffic Safety Month
Haitian Heritage Month
Heal the Children Month
Healthy Vision Month
Hepatitis Awareness Month
Homeschool Awareness Month
Huntington's Disease Awareness Month
Indian Heritage Month
Internal Audit Awareness Month
International Business Image Improvement Month
International Civility Awareness Month
International Drum Month
International Respect for Chickens Month
International Victorious Woman Month
Jewish American Heritage Month
Labor History Month
Latino Books Month
Leaders of Tomorrow Month
Lettuce Month
Local and Community History Month
Lung Health Awareness Month
Lupus Awareness Month
Make May Purple /Action On Stroke Month
Maternal Mental Health Month
May Measurement Month
MCS Awareness Month
Meditation Month
Mediterranean Diet Month
Melanoma / Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month
Mental Health Awareness Month
Military Appreciation Month
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month
National Asparagus Month
National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
National Barbecue Month
National Bicycle Safety Month
National Blood Pressure Month
National Chocolate Custard Month
National Comfort Month
National Digestive Disease Awareness Month
National Duckling Month
fried egg on national egg month
National Egg Month
National Foster Care Month
National Hamburger Month
National Heritage Month
National Inventors Month
a nurse on National Lyme Disease Awareness Month
National Lyme Disease Awareness Month
National Moving Month
National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month
National Pet Month
National Photography Month
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
National Physiotherapy Month
National Physiotherapy Month
National Preservation Month
National Prom Graduation Safety Month
National Recommitment Month
National Salad Month
National Salsa Month
National San Architect Month
National Service Dog Eye Examination Month
National Share a Story Month
National Show Your Smile Month
National Sight-Saving Month
National Strawberry Month
National Teen Self-Esteem Month
National Tennis Month
National Toxic Encephalopathy and Chemical Injury Awareness Month
National Tuberous Sclerosis Awareness Month
National Vinegar Month
National Walking Month
National Youth Traffic Safety Month
Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Month
Neurofibromatosis Month
Older Americans Month
Personal History Awareness Month
Pet Sitter Safety Month
REACT Month
Responsible Animal Guardian Month
Revise Your Work Schedule Month
Small Business Month
Speech and Hearing Awareness Month
Steelmark Month
Strike Out Strokes Month
Stroke Awareness Month
Syringomyelia Awareness Month
Teen CEO Month
Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month
Tuberous Sclerosis Awareness Month
Ultraviolet Awareness Month
Women's Health Month
Zombie Awareness Month

Holidays Straight to Your Inbox

Every day is a holiday!
Receive fresh holidays directly to your inbox.