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My name is Maggie and I am 12 years old. I am in 6th grade and I love skiing, swimming, crafts, my dogs, and playing with my sister. I was diagnosed with NF1 when I was 6 years old. I have lots of neurofibromas throughout my body, and they often cause my legs and back to hurt. This year, I had a big surgery in Boston to remove a tumor from my spine. I also really enjoy teaching other people about NF and working on fundraisers for NF research.This year, I chose to draw three things that make me happy. My first drawing is of my favorite stuffy, named Mexico Dog. His name is Mexico Dog because I got him in Mexico when I was one year old. He comes with me to all my surgeries and hospital stays. My second drawing is of a beach sunset. I love swimming, and my favorite vacation was when my family went to the beach in Costa Rica. My last drawing is of the mountains. I live in Colorado and love spending time in the mountains, either skiing in the winter or camping in the summer. I followed a drawing tutorial for this one and I’m really proud of it!
Artist: Maggie
I’m Aubrie. I got diagnosed with NF1 at 6 months and had my first ever surgery at 3 years. I’m going to be 16 in September, and I have had my share of surgeries and plenty of MRIs. I have more than just NF1 — I also have glaucoma, since the tumor is on the right side of my face and goes into my ear and down my throat. I have Crohn’s disease, PAC, and IBS.Though I go through a lot, I stay strong and grateful. Having friends and family around always helps too. I will forever be grateful to have my conditions, because they just show how strong and capable I am. In my eyes, no one is different until you treat them differently. The drawings I made show self-confidence and knowing your true beauty!
Artist: Aubrie
Nevee has been living with NF since she was 3! She is 9 now and doing so well. Everything she goes through, we just take one day at a time, and she continues to inspire us. She is learning to live her life with NF the best way she can!
When I am drawing, I like to look up tutorials to help me when I have ideas of what to draw. NF kids can do it too, just like me.
These pieces were created by Everly, a sassy, strong-willed, and expressive toddler living with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). At just 2.5 years old, Everly is currently undergoing chemotherapy for an optic pathway glioma, yet she continues to find ways to create, play, and express herself through art.“Letters of Hope: END NF” represents the ultimate goal — a world where NF no longer exists. Even in its simplicity, it carries a powerful message of awareness, advocacy, and hope for a cure.“Letters of Hope: In Motion” reflects the chaos, movement, and unpredictability of life with NF1. The scribbles and lines capture what words often cannot — the constant motion of appointments, emotions, and the unknown, all experienced through the lens of a young child.“Letters of Hope: Magic in the Fight” brings in imagination and resilience. The unicorn and rainbows represent Everly’s spirit — strong, magical, and unbreakable — even in the face of something so heavy. It’s a reminder that even during the hardest moments, there is still light, joy, and a little bit of magic.NF1 has impacted our family in every way — emotionally, physically, and financially. It has changed the course of our daily lives, but it has also shown us a strength we never knew we had. Through it all, Everly continues to lead with joy, curiosity, and resilience. This artwork is more than just art — it’s her voice, her fight, and her hope.
