Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that affects one in every 2,500 births. 115 babies are born with this genetic disorder each day. NF is more common than Cystic Fibrosis, Muscular Dystrophy, and Huntington’s Disease combined.

Imagine an unpredictable disease that causes tumors to form on the nerves of your body. Depending on their location, these tumors can cause disfigurement, dysfunction, deafness or blindness. In the wrong place they can be fatal. If that weren’t enough, NF can also cause learning disabilities, seizures, bone deformity and cancer.

Despite the many researchers studying this devastating condition, there is still no cure, and treatments are largely inadequate.

My late cousin, Kathleen had NF. She was a lovely soul, I will always remember her kindness, and I will do anything I can to help others affected with this horrible disease.

As part of NF Awareness Month, I did two watercolor Owly doodles that will be auctioned from eBay from May 13th to 23rd.

Doodle 2 features Owly, Wormy, and my little dog Chewie!

Doodle 1 features Owly and Wormy feeding the birdies! In this case, that means a little Cardinal, a Chickadee, and a little scruffy Wren. :)

100% of the funds raised will benefit NF, Inc., an organization dedicated to providing support to individuals and families affected by neurofibromatosis by providing education, advocacy, coalitions, research for treatments, and a cure. I don’t do paintings like this at shows , so if you’ve ever wanted an extra-special Owly drawing, now’s your chance. There are also all kinds of other doodles by all kinds of celebrities! See the whole list here! So, bid away and help a very good cause! Thanks! :)