site.btaBulgaria Joins Shine a Light on Neurofibromatosis Global Initiative

Bulgaria will take part in the Shine a Light on NF initiative, dedicated to the fight against the genetic disease neurofibromatosis (NF), the Children's Tumor Foundation Europe announced. Symbolic buildings, historical and cultural monuments in several cities will be illuminated from 20 pm to 10 pm on Friday. 

Among them are the National Palace of Culture in Sofia, the Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo, the Pantheon of the Revivalists in Ruse, and the Clock Tower in Razgrad. 

Let's Shine a Light on NF takes place every year on  May 17, World NF Awareness Day. The initiative involves illuminating in blue and green - the official NF colours - symbolic buildings, monuments and infrastructure sites in dozens of countries. Symbolic locations such as Niagara Falls, the Empire State Building, London Bridge, and others have also been illuminated.

The aim of the initiative is to draw the attention of Bulgarian citizens to neurofibromatosis, which though classified as a rare genetic disease, affects more than 3,500 Bulgarians and over four million people worldwide, said the organizers. NF refers to a group of genetic conditions that cause the development of tumours on nerves throughout the body, which can cause blindness, deafness, bone abnormalities, disfigurement, learning difficulties, debilitating pain, and cancer. 

There is currently no treatment for NF. Thanks to the hard work of scientists and researchers from around the world - and with the support of many donors - there have been many promising advances in the fight against neurofibromatosis in recent years, the organizers also said.