Bunbury landmarks to light up in blue and green to raise awareness for Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month

Bunbury landmarks will take on a colourful appearance this month in a bid to shine a light on one of Australia’s most commonly diagnosed genetic neurological conditions.

To acknowledge Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month in May, more than 100 Australian landmarks will light up in blue and green.

While Bunbury’s Koombana Bay Footbridge will gleam on World NF Awareness Day on Wednesday May 17, several other landmarks will also light up on Saturday May 13.

These include the Marlston Hill Lookout, the Koombana Bay Foreshore, Marlston Waterfront, Guppy Park, The Navigators at the Koombana Drive roundabout, Richmond Reserve and the historical Arol crane on Jetty Road.

Despite being one of the country’s most commonly diagnosed genetic neurological conditions, awareness of NF remains relatively low.

It is a group of genetic conditions that cause tumours to form in the body.

Progressive and unpredictable, neurofibromatosis can lead to significant health issues such as deafness, blindness, physical differences, bone abnormalities, learning difficulties, chronic pain, and cancer in 10 per cent of cases.

Every three days, a child is born with NF and will require a lifetime of support.

There is no cure, and treatment options are limited.

As well as the lighting of landmarks during the month, the Children’s Tumour Foundation will be holding initiatives including the virtual step-counting Steps Towards a Cure fundraising challenge and inviting people to wear a blue-and-green ribbon to support those living with or affected by NF.

Children’s Tumour Foundation chief executive Leanne Dib said this was the third year buildings would be lit up.

“It is an opportunity to spark important conversations about a condition that has been under-recognised for far too long and create critical points of connection and hope for families,” she said.

“Despite affecting more than 10,000 Australians, NF manifests differently in each person. For those with visible signs of NF, they can struggle to be seen as more than their condition, while those with invisible symptoms often struggle to make others understand.”