When Ben returned home from Camp NF, he had plenty to talk about. He had made friends, tried new things, and even spent a night camping in a tent.
His mom, Amy, heard something more in those stories. She heard confidence.
“That independence was huge for him, and for me,” she shared. “It was priceless!”
For Ben, empowerment began with a place where he could have fun, be himself, and spend time with other children who understood life with NF.
As young people grow up, what they need may change. The need to feel supported, understood, and confident does not.
That is why NF Midwest offers Empowerment Programs at different stages of life, from childhood through age 30. Across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, and Wisconsin, young people with NF can find opportunities to belong, continue their education, build leadership skills, and discover the power of their own voices.
These opportunities are possible because people like YOU choose to invest in what comes next for them.
Finding Belonging at Camp NF
For children and teens, Camp NF offers something that can be difficult to find elsewhere: a place where they do not have to explain NF.
Campers spend a week having fun, building friendships, and trying new activities in a medically supported environment created with their needs in mind. They return home with memories, new connections, and often a little more confidence in what they can do.
“This was the most fun out of the four years I’ve attended Camp NF! I loved when we camped in the tents one night!”
-Ben
Your support helps give children with NF the freedom to enjoy camp, build independence, and feel fully included.
Investing in What Comes Next
After high school, NF Midwest Scholarships help students take their next steps.
Our scholars attend colleges, universities, and community colleges. They pursue careers in education, healthcare, business, public health, art therapy, mathematics, and other fields. Each student brings a different goal and a future they are working hard to build.
Amy, a 2026 NF Midwest Scholar, is continuing her education at Concordia University, Nebraska. She hopes to become a leader in public health and pediatric medicine.
“With this investment in my education, I am one step closer to achieving my ultimate goal,” she shared.
A scholarship can help cover books, materials, tuition, and other educational expenses. It can also remind a student that an entire community sees their potential and believes in where they are going.
Turning Confidence into Leadership
Through NF Midwest’s Young Adult Leadership Program, adults ages 18 to 30 learn how to advocate for themselves, their communities, and the future of NF research.
In 2026, five young advocates traveled to Washington, D.C. They met with lawmakers, shared their personal NF stories, and helped ensure that the needs of the NF community remained part of the national conversation.
For Hunter, confidence grew with every meeting.
“I felt more courageous as the week went on. I enjoyed sharing my story and making an impact.”
-Hunter
Participants return home with advocacy experience, stronger connections, and a deeper understanding of what their voices can accomplish.
Continuing the Journey
For some members of our community, these programs have created a path through several stages of life.
Two people have participated in all three NF Midwest Empowerment Programs. They attended Camp NF, received scholarship support, and later took part in Young Adult Leadership.
Their journeys show what becomes possible when support continues as a young person grows. A camper who finds belonging can become a student pursuing a dream. A student who receives encouragement can become a young adult ready to lead.
Your generosity helps keep that path open for the next child, student, or young adult with NF.
Triple Your Impact Through September 30
Right now, your support can go twice as far.
Through September 30, an anonymous donor will TRIPLE every gift to NF Midwest’s Empowerment Programs, dollar for dollar, up to $5,000! Your $25 becomes $75. Your $50 becomes $150. Give today and TRIPLE your impact for our Empowerment Programs.
Your gift helps young people with NF build friendships, continue their education, grow in confidence, and use their voices to create change.
Thank you for believing in their potential and helping make these opportunities possible.
Responses