Toronto (May 17, 2022) – On World Neurofibromatosis Awareness Day, UHN Foundation announces an anonymous gift of $11 million in support of neurofibromatosis (NF) research. NF is a genetic disorder affecting approximately one in 10,000 Canadians. It results in the development of innumerable tumours throughout the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves, and can cause complications such as disfigurement, deformities, blindness, hearing loss and an increased risk of cancer.
The Elisabeth Raab Neurofibromatosis Clinic was established in 2015 at Toronto General and Toronto Western hospitals, part of University Health Network (UHN) and is the first – and remains the premier – clinic of its kind in Canada. It offers clinical care, clinical research and basic science research for adults living with NF.
Overseen by co-Directors Dr. Vera Bril and Dr. Gelareh Zadeh, the clinic provides the multidisciplinary care required for neurofibromatosis under one roof. As patients often have six to nine doctors depending on the complexity of their condition, UHN’s breadth of specialists means the clinic is a one-stop shop for most patients.
