WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowans will join together at Raccoon River Park to get their steps in for a good cause this Saturday. The Children's Tumor Foundation is hosting the "Shine a Light on NF" walk.
Six-year-old Lennon Rink may be small in size, but her unwavering spirit makes her a giant among us, overcoming every obstacle with a smile.
At eight-weeks-old her mother Crystal was told Lennon had Neurofibromatosis (NF), and the condition was already presenting challenges.
NF is an incurable genetic condition that causes tumors to grow on the nerves throughout the body.
"We just, unfortunately, found out earlier this spring that she has a brain tumor, but we are happy to report that she just had an MRI, and the tumor is stable," Crystal said.
If you want to see Lennon's contagious smile in person Iowans will be able to take a walk Saturday in Lennon's shoes to raise awareness for NF research.
"Iowa's NF shine a light walk is tomorrow here at Raccoon River park. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m., festivities, as well, start at that time the walk is at 9:30 a.m.," Crystal shared.
All the proceeds from the event will go to the Children's Tumor Foundation, an organization dedicated to finding effective treatments for NF and supporting affected families.
"We need to raise money and awareness for the cause because they are wonderful human beings," Crystal said. "They are our NF heroes. Just because she has these medical conditions she is living an amazing life she's doing all the activities all the sports it's just an important cause."