Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic disorder affecting the nervous system. The disorder causes tumors to form on the covers of nerves anywhere in the body, at any time. It is a progressive disorder that can occur in all races, ethnic groups and men and women equally. NF affects one in every 2,500 to 3,000 births.
NF affects more than 100,000 Americans. It is not contagious. Three types of NF have been identified.
NF-1 gene is located on chromosome 17. It can cause blindness, convulsions, and tumors. It is an autosomal dominant genetic condition, meaning that not all individuals who inherit that mutation go on to develop the disease.
NF-2 is characterized by non-cancerous tumors but can cause deafness, balance problems, and swallowing problems, among other conditions.
Schwannomatosis manifests in people in adulthood, usually in patients over 30.
There is no cure for NF. Research and education are available through the national NF organization, NF, Inc. The organization advocates for federal funding and establishing grass roots advocacy programs.
What is USA National Doodle Day
USA National Doodle Day is the major fundraiser for NF. For the 5th annual Doodle Day, celebrity doodles will be auctioned on eBay beginning May 12.
Hundreds of packets were mailed to celebrities, movie stars, television personalities, sports figures, renowned authors and musicians. Each is asked to create a doodle on the card, sign it and return it. Past doodlers include Barack Obaman, Howie Mandel, Steve Martin, Tim Allen, Ellen DeGeneres, and Jason Alexander.
Stars that have already submitted this year’s doodles include Jeff Bridges (actor, musician, photographer), Eric Carle (The Hungry Caterpillar), Carrot Top (comedian), Angela Cartwright, Richard Chamberlain (actor), Terry Fator (ventriloquist), Neil Gaiman (author), Annette Funicello (actress), Julianne Moore (actress), Austin Peck (actor), Martin Sheen (actor) and Lea Thompson (actress).
Doodleday by Ross Collins
Doodleday by Ross Collins is the story of Harvey and his doodling. Harvey has been told by his mother that he cannot doodle on Doodleday! But, kids don’t listen to their mothers. So, he draws a fly, one little fly. That fly comes alive and starts spreading mayhem in the kitchen. So Harvey decides to draw a spider to catch the fly. Well, one thing leads to another. The story of Harvey and Doodleday is aimed at ages 3-8.
Ross Collins is an award-winning children's author from Glasgow, Scotland. He has illustrated over 70 books for toddlers and young children. He has written eight of those books. He does animation work for the Walt Disney Company, editorial and advertising work for The London Evening Standard and The Times, and graphic work.
His works include Where Giants Hide, My Amazing Dad, and Medusa Jones.
Debbie Whittemore - I've been blogging for the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance (SIBA) since 2006. SIBA is a trade association which represents over ...
