Make NF Visible Recognition Awards 2026

Make NF Visible Recognition Awards 2026

July 22, 2026Awards & Grants, Extraordinary Spirit, Featured, Featured EU, NF Summit, Story of NF

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The Children's Tumor Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Make NF Visible Community Recognition Awards! These awards honor the many ways individuals and groups contribute to our shared mission to end NF, and celebrate the spirit, talent, and tireless dedication of a truly exceptional group of change-makers.

Held each year at the NF Summit, the Make NF Visible Community Recognition Awards recognize outstanding volunteers, clinicians, researchers, community partners, and advocates who are helping to shape a brighter future for those living with NF.

The awards were presented during an inspiring ceremony at the NF Summit in Denver, Colorado. Watch the full presentation here.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: Meera Rajagopalan

A woman in a blue shirt stands indoors, smiling and holding a glass award with a globe design. Blue curtains are in the background.Meera Rajagopalan

The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an individual whose leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment have made an extraordinary impact across the Children's Tumor Foundation. This year, that honor belongs to Meera Rajagopalan. A trusted mentor, accomplished fundraiser, and tireless advocate, Meera exemplifies what it means to lead with humility, compassion, and purpose.

For more than a decade, Meera has been one of the driving forces behind Cupid's Undie Run, helping build one of the Foundation's most successful fundraising programs. As Event Director for the Austin event since 2019, she has helped raise more than $1 million to advance NF research. But her impact extends far beyond fundraising. Meera is the person new Event Directors turn to for guidance, the volunteer who freely shares ideas and encouragement, and the leader who celebrates the success of others while quietly strengthening the entire community behind the scenes.

What sets Meera apart is her ability to bring people together. Whether welcoming first-time volunteers, supporting fellow leaders, or helping families find their place within the NF community, she creates connections that last well beyond a single event. Her generosity, positivity, and unwavering commitment have inspired countless volunteers and strengthened the Foundation in ways that can't be measured by dollars alone.

Meera's leadership reminds us that lasting progress is built by people who consistently show up for one another. We are proud to recognize her as the 2026 Children's Tumor Foundation Volunteer of the Year.

MAKE NF VISIBLE YOUTH: Sally Nagappan

Person wearing a blue shirt and conference badges stands in front of blue curtains, holding a glass award with a smile.Sally Nagappan

The Make NF Visible Youth Award honors a young advocate who raises awareness, educates others, and inspires their community through action, courage, and creativity. This year, we're thrilled to recognize Sally Nagappan, who has become a remarkable ambassador for the NF community.

For years, Sally has poured her heart into raising awareness and funds for research. She created the incredibly successful "Tacos Not Tumors" event, bringing together hundreds of supporters while raising nearly $75,000 over the past three years. She's worked with her local performing arts center to light up green and blue for World NF Awareness Day, giving families a powerful reminder that they are seen. And she regularly speaks with medical students and pediatric residents at the University of North Carolina, helping educate the next generation of physicians about caring for people with NF. If there's an opportunity to spread awareness, Sally takes it.

Sally shared why she volunteers: "Not many people know about NF. My hope is that through fundraising efforts, more people will learn about the condition and help find a cure. CTF has given me opportunities to meet others living with NF, which has meant so much to me."

We're proud to honor Sally as this year's Make NF Visible Youth Award recipient.

SHINING STAR: Quentin Laret

Young person holding a glass award stands next to an older woman, both facing the camera in front of a curtained background with blue lighting.Quentin Laret

The Shining Star Youth Award recognizes someone who embraces life with resilience, inspires others through their strength, and helps raise awareness for NF. This year's honoree, Quentin Laret, embodies that spirit wholeheartedly.

Quentin shared why he volunteers with CTF: because his tumor is visible, people ask questions about it, and answering those questions gives him the opportunity to advocate for NF awareness. As he put it, this community means the world to him because NF has affected everyone differently, yet they all share the common goal of finding a cure. Many attendees may have heard him speak at this year's Summit; he also spoke the year before, and we're grateful for his willingness to share his personal story so openly.

Quentin is an amazing, open, kind presence in the NF family, and we're proud to honor him with this year's Shining Star Youth Award.

HEART OF THE MISSION: Sarah Powlison

Woman with short brown hair stands in front of blue curtains, holding a glass award and smiling slightly at the camera.Sarah Powlison

The Heart of Mission Award recognizes an individual whose passion, advocacy, and commitment inspire hope throughout the NF community. This year's honoree, Sarah Powlison, is a writer, a speaker, an advocate, and perhaps most importantly, someone who makes people feel seen.

Whether she's sharing her own story, encouraging another family, educating others about NF, or speaking on behalf of patients, Sarah leads with authenticity, compassion, and hope. Her writing has inspired countless people, and her advocacy continues to strengthen our entire community.

Sarah shared what volunteering means to her: "Volunteering with CTF allows me to connect with patients, care partners, researchers, and medical professionals while helping move research forward. Being able to offer hope, resources, and community, and hearing a parent say they no longer feel alone, is one of the greatest gifts. Through this community, I've found friendship, purpose, gratitude, strength, and joy."

It is our honor to recognize Sarah as this year's Heart of Mission Award recipient.

WAVE MAKER: Kristy Nobles

A woman with long light brown hair wearing a patterned blouse holds a round blue-green glass award while standing in front of light-colored curtains.Kristy Nobles

The Wave Maker Award recognizes a volunteer whose energy, creativity, and leadership inspire others to get involved and make an even greater impact. This year's recipient, Kristy Nobles, has made waves throughout the Charleston NF community.

Since becoming Event Director for the Charleston Cupid's Undie Run in 2022, Kristy has grown sponsorships, embraced local matching opportunities, and helped the event continue to thrive. But she doesn't stop there. Month after month, she's building new partnerships with local businesses, organizing restaurant give-backs, recruiting sponsors, supporting the Carolinas NF Walk, cheering on NF Endurance participants, and welcoming new families into the fold.

Kristy's motivation is deeply personal. She shared: "My journey with the Children's Tumor Foundation began through Cupid's Undie Run - first as a participant and later as an Event Director. Shortly before his first birthday, our son Dylan was diagnosed with NF1. What started as a fundraiser quickly became so much more - a source of support, friendship, and hope. I volunteer in honor of Dylan and everyone affected by NF, with the hope that together we can help find a cure."

We're proud to honor Kristy with this year's Wave Maker Award.

SUNSHINE AWARD: Erin Mohideen

A woman and a young boy smile closely together inside an arcade, with a Spider Bot game visible in the background.Erin Mohideen

The Sunshine Award honors a volunteer who shows up with positivity, warmth, and a deep commitment to lifting others up. This year's recipient, Erin Mohideen, embodies that spirit in every way.

Erin somehow manages to balance a full-time career, raising three children, marathon training, fundraising, and volunteering, and she does it all with incredible joy and enthusiasm. Whether she's helping with the Chicagoland Walk, recruiting new supporters, sharing her family's story, or making meaningful community connections, Erin brings positivity wherever she goes. She's the kind of volunteer every organization hopes to have, and every team loves to work alongside.

Erin shared: "CTF gave our family something priceless after Sam's NF1 diagnosis - hope. I volunteer because I want every family facing NF to know they have a community behind them, and because I believe the work we do today will change lives tomorrow."

Erin is a true light, and we're proud to honor her with this year's Sunshine Award.

ENERGIZER BUNNY AWARD: Lindsey Marson

A smiling woman holds a young boy with a swollen left eye and red cheek. They are indoors, posing closely together for the photo.Lindsey Marson

The Energizer Bunny Award recognizes a volunteer who keeps showing up, keeps advocating, and keeps inspiring, no matter what challenges they may be facing. This year's unstoppable honoree is Lindsey Marson.

Lindsey's advocacy is rooted in love. Living with NF herself while raising her son, Bryson, who also has NF, she has become his fiercest advocate and one of our community's strongest voices, navigating countless medical appointments and difficult decisions to ensure Bryson receives the care he deserves. She chose to share their family's story in an entirely new way by writing the children's book One Eye Open, One Eye Brave, helping young readers better understand differences while offering hope to families navigating similar journeys.

Lindsey shared what fuels her passion: "I volunteer because I am passionate about finding a cure for NF. The more noise we make, the better! NF has been in the shadows for far too long."

We're proud to honor Lindsey with this year's Energizer Bunny Award.

BEHIND THE CURTAIN AWARD: Jessica Contreras

Smiling person with blue and green hair, wearing sunglasses, a gray cardigan, and a gray t-shirt, standing on a dirt path surrounded by greenery.Jessica Contreras

The Behind the Curtain Award honors a volunteer whose thoughtful acts of service often go unseen but make an immeasurable difference. This year's recipient is Jessica Contreras.

Jessica has never been interested in recognition. Instead, she's focused on making sure no one feels alone, noticing details others might miss, thinking about accessibility, reaching out to families who need encouragement, and welcoming new members so everyone feels included. If someone needs help, chances are Jess is already there, often before anyone else realizes it's needed. Her kindness isn't loud; it's consistent, intentional, and transformational.

Jess shared what volunteering has come to mean to her: "When I first started volunteering, it gave me a sense of control over NF. Over time, it became so much more than that - an opportunity to encourage and uplift others, support families, and remind people they don't have to navigate this journey alone."

It is our privilege to recognize Jessica as this year's Behind the Curtain Award recipient.

PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD (NEW THIS YEAR): Brittany and TJ Warren

Two people stand together holding a glass award, posing for a photo in front of blue and white curtains.Brittany and TJ Warren

We're excited to introduce a brand-new award this year: the People's Choice Award, created for volunteers who don't fit neatly into a single category because they shine across all of them by raising awareness through advocacy, education, fundraising, and DIY events all at once.

This year, we're thrilled to recognize Brittany and TJ Warren as our inaugural People's Choice Award recipients. Brittany leads the charge with NF Walk, and TJ brings people together through NF Connect- two incredible efforts, one unstoppable team. Congratulations to Brittany and TJ for embodying the People's Choice spirit and making a difference wherever they go.

HEART OF HEALING: Dr. Robert Listernick

A woman and a man in formal attire stand together; the man holds a glass award. A curtain backdrop is visible behind them.Dr. Robert Listernick

The Heart of Healing Award honors a medical professional whose care extends well beyond the clinic. This year's recipient is Dr. Robert Listernick of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.

For decades, Dr. Listernick has cared for children and families living with NF with remarkable expertise, warmth, and heart. Families describe his calming presence, his sense of humor, and his ability to make even difficult appointments feel a little easier. He's responsive, compassionate, and deeply invested in every family he serves. Outside the clinic, he's continued to support the Children's Tumor Foundation by participating in community and education events, standing alongside families year after year. His impact reaches far beyond medicine, helping build trust, hope, and lasting relationships throughout the NF community.

Dr. Listernick shared these reflections: "The greatest joy of my career has been getting to know the children and families of the NF community. Since helping establish our NF clinic in 1985, it has been incredible to witness the extraordinary advances in knowledge and treatment that have improved so many lives. I look forward to continuing to care for families and mentoring the next generation of NF clinicians."

We're proud to honor Dr. Listernick with this year's Heart of Healing Award.

To every award recipient, and to everyone across the NF community, whether you received an award this year or not, CTF is stronger because of you. Your time, your compassion, your generosity, and your belief in a future without NF are what make this mission move forward. Congratulations once again to all of our honorees, and thank you for being part of this extraordinary community.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities with the Children's Tumor Foundation.