Victoria’s construction industry, along with the wider community, has got behind a campaign to raise funds for research to treat and hopefully find a cure for neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic disorder that causes tumours, blindness, disfigurement, cancer, epilepsy and learning difficulties including autism.
Komatsu Victoria has come on board as a sponsor of the 2022 Flicker of Hope “Kicking Butt for NF Research” family footy event hosted by Port Melbourne Football Club on April 12.
Komatsu is participating through its sponsorship of Matthew Richardson, an AFL legend who holds the record for the most goals scored at the MCG.
As part of the Kicking Butt for NF Research, Port Melbourne FC’s family footy event includes a free kids clinic from 4 pm on April 12, along with a sausage sizzle and photo opportunities with players.
The Flicker of Hope Foundation was established by the Petropoulos family – who own and manage the diversified construction and recycling company Delta Group – in 2018 with the vision to shine a light on NF by raising awareness and much needed funds for vital medical research into the disorder.
Anne and Con Petropoulos’ daughter Zoe was diagnosed with NF at just four months of age.
In the years since it was formed, thanks to Anne’s passion, determination and drive, the Flicker of Hope Foundation has donated over a million dollars to NF medical research.
A number of world leading ground breaking research projects have commenced thanks to the significant financial support of The Foundation. Anne works tirelessly to continue to advocate for NF patients and their families.
NF causes tumours to grow on nerve endings throughout the body. It can affect major organs and lead to a variety of serious and debilitating health issues including cafe au lait spots, blindness, bone abnormalities, disfigurement, chronic pain, amputation, cancer, epilepsy, learning difficulties and autism.
There are very few treatments for NF and there is no cure. It is estimated that 1 in 2500 people have NF1 – affecting approximately 10,000 Australians and two and a half million people worldwide.
https://www.flickerofhope.org.au
