Seventeen-year-old Shannon Brady from Athea took home the award for NF Fighter of the year at the NF Fighter awards and charity ball held on Saturday, 18th November in the Listowel Arms Hotel.
The NF Fighter campaign was launched earlier this year by world famous MMA coach John Kavanagh, who lent his support to promote the worthy campaign. The campaign was an initiative by the NF Association of Ireland to raise awareness of the condition, and to celebrate those who are affected by NF on a daily basis.
The NF Association is the Irish charity set up to help those affected by Neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic condition that causes tumors to grow in various types of nerves anywhere in or on the body, which can affect the development of tissues such as bones and skin. In about half of cases, the condition is passed from a parent, however the other half of cases are a chance event called a spontaneous gene mutation, where the gene responsible for causing NF has a misprint in the genetic code. As there is no known cure or prevention at present, NF is a lifelong condition.
Gareth Curran, Head of The NF Association of Ireland, presented Shannon with her award and spoke about why Shannon deserved to take home the award: “Shannon is a 17 year old with a great attitude and great drive. She knows first-hand how difficult it can be to live with NF and she is true champion the way she lives her life to the full and tries her best not the let it affect her. She has done great work to help us here at the NF Association to raise awareness and vital funds to help us support others like her. I am so thrilled to present her with this award”.
Shannon’s Brother Danny Brady also picked up an NF Fighter Award on the night after being nominated by both Shannon and their mother Alison for all the support he gives to Shannon and the whole family. For further information or to purchase a ticket please visit www.nfaireland.ie.
Shannon Brady, Denny Brady and Gareth Curran CEO pictured at the NF Fighter Awards and Charity Ball at The Listowel Arms Hotel. The hugely successful event was organised by Shannon on 18th November
