McDonald’s doing double duty with Yard of the Month
Akron Chamber of Commerce has chosen the home of Pat and Betty McDonald at 742 West 11th Street as June’s Yard of the Month.
The McDonald’s have a sign in their yard that reads ‘End NF’, along with the name ‘Brooke’. Brooke, the granddaughter of Pat and Betty, has Neurofibromotosis. The sign also has the website www.CTF.org, where you can go to get more information about this condition. CTF stands for Children’s Tumor Foundation.
Neurofibromotosis a condition that causes tumors to form in the brain, spinal cord and nerves. Neurofibromatoses are a group of genetic disorders that cause tumors to form on nerve tissue. These tumors can develop anywhere in the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and nerves. There are three types of neurofibromatosis: neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) and schwannomatosis. NF1 is usually diagnosed in childhood, while NF2 and schwannomatosis are usually diagnosed in early adulthood.
The tumors in these disorders are usually noncancerous (benign), but sometimes can become cancerous (malignant). Symptoms are often mild. However, complications of neurofibromatosis can include hearing loss, learning impairment, heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) problems, loss of vision and severe pain.
Neurofibromatosis treatment focuses on encouraging healthy growth and development in children who are affected by the disorder and on early management of complications. When neurofibromatosis causes large tumors or tumors that press on a nerve, surgery can reduce symptoms. Some people may benefit from other therapies, such as stereotactic radiosurgery or medications to control pain. A new medication is available to treat tumors in children, and other new treatments are being developed.
Neurofibromatosis is caused by genetic defects (mutations) that either are passed on by a parent or occur spontaneously at conception. The specific genes involved depend on the type of neurofibromatosis. The McDonald’s are trying to focus more publicity on this disease, as it is not mentioned frequently.
They also were honored for their beautiful yard. The display with the American flag and the one to honor veterans was built by their son and a family friend. The NF sign was designed by Brooke’s sister, Ashtyn. Ashtyn drew the design on the sign free hand and then painted it. Everything that was done became a family project and was finished over a weekend.
The McDonald’s said they were honored to have their yard chosen as Yard of the Month and were very happy that they could add something about NF to bring it to the public’s attention.
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