Expanding Lifelong NF Care in Chicago

Individuals and families living with neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis (NF) in the Chicago region now have expanded access to specialized care through the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) NF Clinic, which has joined the Children's Tumor Foundation's NF Clinic Network (NFCN).

The UIC NF Clinic is the only program in Chicago that provides coordinated care for both children and adults living with NF, creating a seamless path for patients as they grow and their care needs evolve. The UIC NF clinic is led by Stefanie Maraka, MD, Director and Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, who cares for adult patients, and Nikolas Mata-Machado, MD, MHA, NF Clinic Co-Director and Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology, who treats children - allowing patients to remain within the same clinic as they transition from pediatric to adult care. Together, they provide continuity of care as patients grow, enabling individuals who turn 18 to remain within the clinic while transitioning to an adult specialist.

As part of the NFCN, the UIC NF Clinicmeets rigorous standards for evidence-based NF management, patient and family education, and participation in clinical research and the NF Registry. These standards help ensure that individuals living with NF receive coordinated, multidisciplinary care and access to the latest advances in treatment and research.

Established by the Children's Tumor Foundation in 2007, the NF Clinic Network is the first nationwide network dedicated to improving clinical care and establishing best practices for people living with NF. With UIC's addition, the network now includes over 80 recognized clinicsacross the United States and Canada, strengthening access to expert care and collaboration across the NF field.