The Children's Tumor Foundation
01/30/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/30/2026 13:09
Make NF Visible Recognition Awards 2025Empty heading
The Children's Tumor Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the 4th Annual 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 Washington, DC. Watch the full presentation here.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: Kristin Meeks
Five women stand together on a stage, one holding an award, in front of a banner that reads "Children's Tumor Foundation". They are smiling and posing for a group photo.The Volunteer of the Year Award honors an individual who embodies the heart and soul of the Children's Tumor Foundation - and this year, that person is Kristin Meeks. Mission-driven, innovative, and relentlessly committed to making NF visible, Kristin leads by example and inspires through action.
For the past 13 years, ever since her son Ben was diagnosed with NF1, Kristin has dedicated herself to CTF's mission. As the longtime coordinator of the Chicagoland Shine a Light NF Walk and a valued member of the Volunteer Leadership Council, she has transformed her local event into a powerhouse - growing it from under 100 participants to nearly 400 and raising over $100,000 annually. But her leadership doesn't stop there. She works year-round to secure vendors, rally families, and fundraise through her team, The Mighty Meeks - always bringing people together with positivity, creativity, and a deep sense of purpose.
Kristin's passion and attention to detail ensure that every family feels seen, welcomed, and supported. She has built a true community - one that shares hope, honors challenges, and celebrates progress. Whether navigating change or creating connection, she does so with grace, determination, and a heart full of love for the NF community.
As she prepares to step down after this year's walk, we honor her extraordinary legacy of leadership, advocacy, and heartfelt service. Kristin's unwavering commitment has not only elevated the Chicagoland Walk - it has inspired volunteers across the country. Her impact will be felt for years to come, and we are deeply grateful for everything she's done to help drive this mission forward.
MAKE NF VISIBLE YOUTH: Carson and Millie McNall & Ellie Hussey
Five people stand on a stage, with one holding a glass award. A banner reading "Children's Tumor Foundation" is visible in the background.The Make NF Visible Youth Award honors young individuals who go above and beyond to raise awareness, advocate, educate, and fundraise for the NF community - and who lead with compassion and heart. This year, we're thrilled to recognize two incredible winners whose creativity, energy, and dedication are helping to make NF visible in powerful ways.
Carson and Millie McNall are a dynamic brother-sister team whose efforts have inspired their community and beyond. Born with NF, Carson has found a devoted supporter in his sister Millie. Together, they've organized Shine a Light NF Walks, launched creative campaigns like Cookies for Carson and the 50 States Challenge, and raised awareness in schools and local media. Millie even wrote and performed an original song about Carson and others living with NF - a moving tribute shared on YouTube, with more music on the way. Whether fundraising or sharing their story, Carson and Millie lead with heart, creativity, and courage.
Ellie Hussey, a rising high school senior, has been raising awareness about NF since elementary school. Her wide-ranging efforts include Classrooms for a Cure, Sweet Tea for Sophie, hosting NF awareness tables at Charlotte Knights games, speaking to her Girl Scout troop, and helping at Shine a Light NF Walks. Ellie brings energy, thoughtfulness, and a quiet determination to everything she does - making a lasting impact in her community and beyond.
Both Ellie and the McNall siblings exemplify what it means to be a young advocate: passionate, proactive, and deeply committed to making life better for those living with NF. We're proud to honor them as this year's Make NF Visible Youth Award recipients.
SHINING STAR: Liam Hoffman
Three people stand on a stage; the person in the center holds a globe-shaped award. A banner and podium are visible in the background.The Shining Star Award honors a young person who radiates positivity, strength, and encouragement - someone who shines brightly even in the face of NF's many challenges. This year's honoree, Liam Hoffman, embodies that spirit wholeheartedly.
Living with NF1, Liam faces obstacles that would slow many down - but not him. With his infectious smile and boundless energy, Liam brings light to every room and hope to everyone he meets. As an NF Hero for multiple NF Endurance teams, he's shared his story with runners, supporters, and teammates alike - from virtual team calls to pre-race dinners, including the Chicago Marathon. His words inspire action, and his presence reminds everyone why the miles matter.
Liam doesn't just represent the NF community - he lifts it up, encouraging understanding, kindness, and connection wherever he goes. We're proud to honor him with this year's Shining Star Award.
HEART OF THE MISSION: Caroline Moulsdale
Three women stand on a stage, one holding a glass award, in front of a banner reading "Children's Tumor Foundation."The Heart of the Mission Award honors an individual whose passion for the Children's Tumor Foundation shines through in everything they do - someone who seizes every opportunity to advance the mission and never stops looking for ways to make a difference. This year's honoree, Caroline Moulsdale, couldn't fit that description more perfectly.
Caroline is a force of nature. Whether she's guest bartending to raise funds, setting up cheering stations at races, organizing the Wilmington Cupid's Undie Run, or hosting educational happy hours to empower fellow race directors, she brings boundless energy, creativity, and heart to every effort. Her approach to advocacy is anything but ordinary - it's bold, joyful, and relentlessly effective.
When it comes to Making NF Visible, Caroline does whatever it takes - and makes sure everyone has fun along the way. We're proud to recognize her as this year's Heart of the Mission award recipient.
WAVE MAKER: Mercedes Christensen
A woman with neurofibromatosis smiles, wearing a "Children's Tumor Foundation" T-shirt next to a Valentine's Day-themed floral arrangement with red heart decorations.The Wave Maker Award honors someone who isn't afraid to think differently, take bold action, and create real momentum for the NF cause. This year's honoree, Mercedes Christensen, does exactly that - making waves in the most impactful way.
Mercedes turned a hurtful comment on TikTok into a powerful teaching moment, launching a journey of advocacy that has since reached hundreds of thousands. Through her TikTok channel, she shares her experience living with NF and educates others with positivity, honesty, and strength. In just three years, she's built a following of over 100,000, using her voice and platform to challenge misconceptions, promote empathy, and advance meaningful change.
Mercedes is a fearless advocate, a creative communicator, and a true wave maker - and we're proud to honor her with this year's Wave Maker Award.
SUNSHINE AWARD: Whitney Scheibel
Woman in a pink floral dress stands outside, holding up a certificate with a gold seal and blue ribbon, smiling at the camera.The Sunshine Award honors a volunteer who shows up with positivity, warmth, and a deep commitment to lifting others up - no matter what challenges they may be facing themselves. This year's recipient, Whitney Scheibel, embodies that spirit in every way.
Whitney brings creativity, heart, and dedication to all she does. From crafting engaging and educational TikToks to advocating on Capitol Hill and speaking at FDA listening sessions, she uses every opportunity to make NF1 more visible and better understood. Her openness in sharing her personal journey fosters meaningful connection and empowers others in the NF community to do the same.
Whitney is a true light - a steady, compassionate presence who reminds us what it means to lead with empathy, strength, and purpose. We're proud to honor her with this year's Sunshine Award.
ENERGIZER BUNNY AWARD: Shannon Savage
Three women stand together on stage; the woman in the center holds a glass award. A blue banner is partially visible in the background.The Energizer Bunny Award recognizes someone whose energy never quits - a person who seizes every opportunity to take action, support the mission, and keep things moving forward. This year's unstoppable honoree is Shannon Savage.
Shannon embodies the spirit of this award with her quiet grit, tireless dedication, and behind-the-scenes brilliance. Though she doesn't have a child with NF, she's made this cause her own - leading with purpose and turning bold ideas into real impact. From heading up the Cincinnati Shine A Light Walk to serving as WDAC (Walk Director Advisory Council) Chair, Shannon is often the glue holding it all together, making sure every detail is covered and every voice is heard.
Her energy, heart, and can-do spirit are unmatched. Shannon doesn't seek the spotlight, but her work powers so much of what makes this community strong. We're proud to honor her with this year's Energizer Bunny Award.
BEHIND THE CURTAIN AWARD: Kim Thyberg
Two people sit on grass smiling in front of a large outdoor sign with "#ENDNF" on it. The weather is sunny with trees and a fence in the background.
The Behind the Curtain Award honors someone who doesn't seek the spotlight but whose behind-the-scenes work is absolutely essential - the kind of person who gets things done with grace, humility, and unwavering dedication. For the team at the Cincinnati Shine A Light Walk, that person is Kim Thyberg.
Kim is the event's own behind-the-scenes magician, pulling off logistical miracles and making the impossible look easy. Whether she's coordinating entertainment or securing the largest sponsorship in the event's history, Kim steps in wherever she's needed - always with calm confidence and zero fanfare. Her quiet leadership and selfless spirit have become the heartbeat of the walk.
She may prefer to stay out of the limelight, but today, we're proud to shine it directly on her as the recipient of this year's Behind the Curtain Award.
HEART OF HEALING: Dr. Carlos Romo
Two people stand on a stage, one holding an award. A sign and banner for the Children's Tumor Foundation are visible in the background.The Heart of Healing Award honors a clinician who goes above and beyond in advancing care, championing research, and advocating for the NF community - someone who truly embodies CTF's mission to Drive Research, Expand Knowledge, and Advance Care. This year, we are proud to recognize Dr. Carlos Romo with this distinguished honor.
As a neuro-oncologist at the Comprehensive NF Center at Johns Hopkins University Medical Center, Dr. Romo is a compassionate and tireless advocate. He leads multiple clinical trials across all forms of NF and is known for going the extra mile to support patients and families - listening deeply, validating their experiences, and offering expert, thoughtful guidance.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Romo served as Co-Chair of the 2025 NF Summit, bringing insight, dedication, and empathy to every step of the planning process. He also led a powerful webinar on schwannomatosis, ensuring that patient voices were not only heard but centered in the conversation.
His unwavering commitment to advancing research while elevating the patient perspective makes Dr. Romo a true healer - and a deserving recipient of the Heart of Healing Award.
Two presenters stand on stage speaking at a Children's Tumor Foundation event, with a screen displaying information about "Cupid's Undie Run" in the background.This year's awards were beautifully presented by McKinnon Galloway and Leanna Scaglione, both former National Ambassadors for the Children's Tumor Foundation (2028 and 2024, respectively) and inspiring individuals living with NF2-related schwannomatosis.
The Children's Tumor Foundation published this content on January 30, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on January 30, 2026 at 19:09 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]