SketchNF Superheroes 2026

Maggie

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!

Devlin

Hi, my name is Devlin. I am 12 years old. I was diagnosed with NF1 when I was four. The doctors found an optic glioma. The thing that has affected me most is all of the doctor’s appointments! This is my fourth year doing SketchNF. I like painting, and this year my three paintings are called Birds, Mountain, and Chaos.

Cooper

Cooper did not want to name them, but the orange and blue one is her at the beach, since she loves swimming, and the one with the rain and rainbow has a sloth, since that’s her favorite animal!

Tim

Having NF1 has meant a lot of doctor visits and testing and scans. For Tim, it’s given him a chance to see things through a unique set of eyes. He doesn’t see differences in people, especially in other kids. He just sees new friends and loves making those connections.
If you ask him, he’ll tell you it’s one of the things that’s made him eccentric, and it’s his special outlook on life. It’s also given him more obstacles to overcome, but he tackles them head on, and it’s helped him learn to express himself better — communicating when things are stressful or causing him additional anxiety, but also expressing the joy he finds in things all around him.

Tori

Tori is affected by NF1 like a lot of others are — routine doctor’s appointments and scans on a regular basis. She has a PN in her chest that was found when she was about 5. Sometimes she deals with pain from it, and it makes it harder for her to run.
But it is far from stopping her. She is fierce and such an advocate for herself. People who know her know she is a firecracker and doesn’t let anything stop her — and if you don’t know her, give it five minutes and you’ll see that shine through. Her NF1 hasn’t stopped her or slowed her down. It’s built her up and made her even stronger.

Briella

Briella is 12 years old and was diagnosed with NF1 at a year old. While many of her symptoms are invisible to others, they are a part of her everyday life — including pain, fatigue, headaches, learning challenges, sensory sensitivities, and the anxiety that can often come with NF. Briella continues to face life with strength, resilience, and a beautiful spirit that inspires everyone around her. For her sketches this year, she wanted to focus on inspirational quotes and motivation for others. (She had the help of Mom and one of her sisters to complete these.)

Taegon

My mom tried to get me diagnosed from age one until age 10, but the pediatrician wouldn’t listen. My mom knew I had it just from researching it herself. She finally convinced the doctor to send in a referral to neurology, where I was officially diagnosed at age 10. Thankfully, I didn’t have any major tumors over those years.
I am now 13 and going into 8th grade. I’ve struggled throughout school. I needed speech, OT, and PT. I also have an IEP. I was recently diagnosed with ADHD and level 1 autism as well, which is common with NF1. I have multiple tumors throughout my spine, and I keep getting more bumps under my skin in numerous places. I struggle a lot socially because other kids think I’m weird or annoying, which is what my drawing represents, as I feel left out a lot of the time. I am not a fan of school because of this. We keep monitoring my NF1 with MRIs.

Mia

Our daughter was diagnosed at the age of 2 with Neurofibromatosis. She loves her café au lait spots — she calls them her giraffe spots. Mia never let any of her NF-1 problems get in her way. She has embraced everything from the beginning. Mia was recently diagnosed with 2 brain tumors and started chemotherapy. Mia has stayed strong and continues to be a positive ray of light for our whole family.

Willa

My name is Willa, and I have NF1, but it does not define me! I am a fighter! I love to sing, dance, play sports, and just be a kid. My artwork reflects how I don’t let NF1 limit what I can do or who I am. Let’s #endNF together!

Paige

Hi! My name is Paige and I am 12 years old. I was diagnosed with NF1 at around 9 months old. Around the same time, I got my G-tube — I just wasn’t growing enough! I also had a hole in my heart that had to be fixed. I am a tough cookie. I handle all my doctor’s appointments with a lot of bravery.
School is a struggle for me, and so is eating. I’m just starting to ask a lot of questions about NF. I do get frustrated when things are hard for me. I just have to remember that I have to work just a little harder.
I love art, playing baseball for Miracle League, dancing for Arts for All, and swimming! I’m also a good helper and an amazing friend. I love the musical Wicked (actually, anything Wicked!). My favorite food is chicken strips and fries from Culver’s

Maddie

My name is Maddie, and I am 5 years old. I have Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). When I was 3 years old, doctors found tumors on both of my optic nerves. I spent over a year receiving chemotherapy to help stop the tumors from growing. Even though treatment was hard, I kept smiling, playing, and being a kid.
Today, my tumors are stable, and I am enjoying being a little girl again. I love drawing, coloring, playing with my friends, going to Target, and spending time with my family. My artwork is full of bright colors because, even though NF is part of my story, it does not define who I am. NF can make life challenging, but I choose to fill my world with color, hope, and happiness.
My family says we are always climbing mountains together. Some mountains are bigger than others, but we keep moving forward one step at a time. I hope my artwork helps people learn about NF and reminds other kids that they are stronger than they know.

Sloane

Sloane was diagnosed with NF1 at 6 months old via genetic testing. For Sloane, NF1 was a spontaneous mutation. Sloane is now 5 years old and is as wild, adventurous, and clever as ever! Sloane loves school and was recognized by her teacher for being the first student to correctly identify all uppercase and lowercase letter names and sounds. This was huge for her after graduating from her speech therapy program last year. Sloane enjoys dance classes and performances, creating beautiful art, wrestling with her older brother, singing, makeup, painting her nails, eating all the chocolate desserts, and wearing dresses and all the accessories. :)

Molly

My name is Molly and I am 11 years old. I have known I have NF1 my whole life. I am the only one in my family that has NF. I see many great doctors who help take care of me. I am excited to share my art and hope it helps find cures and treatments for kids like me living with NF!

Emery

Emery Painter is a vibrant, active 7-year-old who refuses to let her physical boundaries define her. Diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) following the appearance of multiple café au lait spots, Emery has faced a difficult medical road this year. Recent scans revealed a plexiform neurofibroma in her foot, a growth on her cerebellum, and a suspected optic glioma.
While these tumors challenge her vision, coordination, and stamina on land — making it hard to keep pace with her peers — everything changes the moment she hits the water. In the pool, Emery is entirely in her element. Swimming is the one place where her limitations vanish, allowing her to outpace her peers and move completely free of pain or fatigue. When she isn’t swimming, she is channeling her bright spirit into learning to ride a bike, drawing, and singing.
As parents, we intentionally choose not to label her by her diagnosis; NF1 is something she has, not who she is. Instead, we openly discuss her symptoms as they arise and focus our energy on finding creative accommodations, ensuring Emery always knows that her potential is limitless.

Rory

Our NF journey began the day Remi was born. She entered the world with a bowed leg and a foot deformity caused by Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). Since then, she has faced challenge after challenge with incredible strength. Remi has undergone multiple surgeries, countless doctor appointments, MRIs, and monitoring for her optic glioma. She has also endured painful tumors, with some requiring removal.
When our youngest daughter, Rori, was also diagnosed with NF1, our journey took on a new meaning. While NF has not significantly affected her yet, we know the uncertainty that comes with this condition. We travel to multiple states several times each year to see specialists and ensure both girls receive the best possible care.
NF has shaped many parts of our lives, but it does not define our daughters. Through every surgery, appointment, and obstacle, Remi and Rori continue to show courage, resilience, and joy. We believe God made each of them exactly as they are — unique, deeply loved, and wonderfully created.

Remi

Caroline

Caroline was diagnosed with NF1 at 8 months old, after multiple café au lait spots appeared. Genetic testing revealed a whole gene deletion, meaning the NF gene along with 13 other genes total are deleted from one copy of chromosome 17. At this point, Caroline lives a fairly normal life with a mild case. She is in speech and occupational therapy, which she loves, and is making great strides. Caroline enjoys playing with friends, riding her bike, playing soccer, and absolutely loves to color and paint. She was very excited to participate in Sketch 4 NF!

Rowen

When Rowen was two, his family doctor noticed café au lait spots at his well-child appointment, and for two years we monitored him. At Rowen’s four-year appointment, his doctor noticed he had early-onset scoliosis and referred us to the University of Iowa. From there, we got a referral to the U of I genetics department. A few months after turning four, Rowen was officially diagnosed with NF1. So far, Rowen has needed speech therapy, occupational therapy, and myofunctional therapy, and he wears a back brace for 17 hours a day for his scoliosis. His ADHD and anxiety can get the best of him sometimes, but he has a great team to help keep him moving forward.
Rowen has some small neurofibromas on his neck, but that hasn’t stopped him from being his silly, rambunctious self. Even with everything NF1 has thrown at him, Rowen had the best year in 2nd grade and is so excited for summer! Rowen’s drawings are a look into his favorite things. He loves playing soccer and baseball and shooting hoops in the driveway. Rowen loves summer break — you can find him in a pool or lake nearby! Rowen’s best friend is his dog, Miles. He drew a collage of a bunch of dogs!

Penny

Penny just turned 12 on May 16th. This is her second time providing her artwork. She loves to doodle in her free time; it helps relax her brain when her ADHD symptoms flare up. As far as we know, she is third-generation with NF1, from Papa to her dad. She is the oldest of 5, with her 1-year-old twin sisters also affected with NF1. She’s seeing a great team at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, RI.

Jack

My name is Jack Geracitano. I am 8 years old, and I have NF1. When I was 18 months old, I started chemotherapy to treat a brain tumor in my optic nerves. I was on treatment for 60 weeks, but luckily my tumor became stable. I also have autism, and sometimes I have pain in my legs, arms, and head. Every time I have pain or am scared about something, I hold onto my stuffed animal cat named Howard, and it always helps.
I like to read scary books, especially Stephen King’s. I also like building things with Legos, listening to music, playing Wordle, and hanging out with my cats, brother, and sister. When I grow up, I want to be an architect.

Ezra

Ezra (10) is one year post stem cell transplant and continuing to recover from a very rare NF1 complication. He was diagnosed with JMML, a rare type of leukemia, in December of 2024. His treatment included chemo and then a stem cell transplant from an anonymous donor. Ezra has had some complications with his recovery, and he is still not able to return to regular school because his immune system is not strong enough. It’s been a hard year, but he is still full of smiles and loves dogs, monsters, dinosaurs, and playing with his friends and siblings. He loves going to the beach!

Aubrie

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!

Shannon

Shannon is currently finishing up her freshman year of high school. She is recovering from ankle surgery due to ongoing issues with ankle instability and hypermobility, and she hopes to be back dancing Irish step soon! Shannon was diagnosed with NF1 when she was 4 months old, so she has learned to “go with the flow” of her many NF-related difficulties. Shannon says that while she has NF1, she does not live by that diagnosis. She hopes that her artwork helps others to smile every day.

Everly

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.

Logan

Hi! My name is Logan! I will be 6 years old in May! My mom named me after the X-Men’s Wolverine! My mom found out about my NF1 the day before my first birthday! I have multiple brain tumors, as well as CVI (cortical/cerebral visual impairment), autism, and ADHD! My favorite form of art is finger painting! The majority of my finger paintings are of animals! This year’s painting is a dog! Thank you for viewing my artwork, and happy bidding!

Oliver

Oliver was diagnosed with NF1 about 6 years ago, though we knew from the time he was 6 months old, as his mother carries the genetic mutation. His condition is very mild, and thankfully we haven’t had any scares or changes.
He has participated in SketchNF since it first started and is excited to participate this year and in the years to come

Connor

My name is Connor Rumbley. I am 15 years old but look and act younger. I have Neurofibromatosis 1. I have had it all my life. It was discovered when I was 11 months old. My one-year-old sister pushed me off the toddler bed, and I broke my left leg. That is how everyone found out I had this disease. No one had ever heard of NF. The leg I broke was already curved, supposedly because there was no room inside Mom, and my parents were told that it would straighten itself out as I grew. After breaking my leg, the doctor said it was curved from NF1, not from growing in Mom, and confirmed it from looking me over. I had café au lait spots — brown, coffee-colored spots on my body that looked like big birthmarks.
The bone was no good; it would have kept curving. They let it heal and then eventually did surgery on my leg. I have had two or three leg surgeries and have to wear a brace all the time just to protect it. I go without it some weekends if it is rubbing my skin the wrong way. As I grew older, I had scoliosis, another sign of NF1. I had to have back surgery two years ago to straighten that. I have ADHD and optic gliomas too. I have to see doctors all the time. I struggle in the 10th grade and always need help getting the work done because I do not understand it. I am on an IEP.
Otherwise, I am like any other kid or teen. I like art class and drawing scary things — monsters, zombies, and original characters I create. I love playing board games like Monopoly. I love swimming and playing outside in the summer. I like playing tablet or phone games. When I grow up, I want to be an archaeologist or paleontologist, to dig and study dinosaurs.

Julia

I was diagnosed with NF1 (gene deletion) when I was 3 years old. I have a speech impediment and a learning disability, but I never let it get me down. I love to draw, read, and cheerlead!

Rose

Rose was diagnosed with NF1 at the age of 3, after her pediatrician noticed her café au lait spots. Through her diagnosis, we have met some wonderful people who have been nothing but helpful in our journey navigating NF1. Rose is now 7 and is a bundle of energy and joy!

Leo

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.

Nevee

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!

Jaxon

I started my NF journey at 4. Spinal fusion has allowed me to be more active and live with less pain. I stay active in my school, church and Special Olympics.

Evelyn

When I was 1, I was just happily living my life, but then when I turned 2, my mom and my doctors suspected something was wrong. When I was 4, I got scanned and tested, and they found out that there was a TUMOR in my brain! So they put me on a study that hadn't been tested yet, and I had to take 2 GIANT pills every morning and night and get scans with anesthesia (a sleeping drug) every 3 months. I stayed like that for a while — until I was like 7 or 8 — and then it was every 6 months. By then, I started noticing what I thought were "goose bumps" that wouldn't go away, and soon learned that they were tiny tumors. Now I get scans awake, and they're only every 12 months. I used to get annoyed because I missed SO much school because of so, so, so many appointments, but then I missed less and less school. I also got worried about telling other people about my NF, but my doctors gave me books and the courage to tell people about it. Hope this makes you feel better about your journey!

Samantha

Samy is 12 years old and was diagnosed with NF1 at 7 months old. She enjoys art, reading, archery, being part of her school choir, and acting in her local theater group. While NF has impacted her life in regard to her motor skills and in school, it hasn’t slowed her down.

Alex

Alex has dealt with challenges from NF1 and plexiforms since before he was in kindergarten. He’s had countless scans and medical appointments, and a few surgeries as well. Because of NF1, he has also had to change his goals for what he wanted to do with his life. It has caused struggles and lots of ups and downs.
But through it all, his light continues to shine brightly. Even when he’s been in the hospital, he’s made new friends with other children there and encouraged them when they were struggling. Even though he couldn’t go into the military like he’d wanted, he found a new dream out of it: he wants to be a firefighter now and is pursuing that with his whole heart.

Andy

Andy is 4 years old and was diagnosed with NF at 4 months old, when he was found to have pseudarthrosis in his left arm. His radius and ulna were both broken (likely at birth). He’s currently followed by an amazing team and sees them twice a year. Eventually he will have surgery, but for now he wears a brace. While lots of “typical” things are much harder for him (cutting with scissors, dressing, opening lids, etc.), he’s adapted and is doing well. He’s a very silly, smart, caring boy.