First NF walk in the county steps off in Yorktown

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, N.Y. — Yorktown marked a milestone on Sunday, May 4, as it hosted Westchester County’s first-ever Steps2CureNF walk—a community fundraising event dedicated to raising awareness and support for those affected by neurofibromatosis (NF).

The walk, held at FDR Park, was part of a larger series of events organized by NF Northeast, a nonprofit based just outside Boston. The Steps2CureNF walks are the organization’s largest fundraising initiatives, according to Allison Gilliam D’Ottavio—the Yorktown mom behind the local effort—who also serves as NF Northeast’s patient outreach coordinator.

On Sunday evening, following the walk, D’Ottavio called the event, which had about 70 participants, “a great success.”

She was glad that “Mother Nature cooperated for us,” allowing participants to complete the 1.5-mile walk.

She said the walk exceeded its fundraising goal, raising more than $25,000. “We were thrilled to have Town Supervisor Ed Lachterman and Councilman Patrick Murphy in attendance for the ribbon-cutting,” she added.

During the event, participants met in person with a healthcare professional specializing in neurofibromatosis and had opportunities to learn about resources available through NF Northeast. Activities for children included an appearance by Bluey.

Neurofibromatosis is a group of genetic disorders that cause tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body, including the brain and spinal cord. NF Northeast supports affected individuals and families through advocacy, funding research, and providing vital resources.

Hosting the walk in Yorktown was not just a personal mission for D’Ottavio, but a meaningful step forward in bringing greater visibility to a rare and often misunderstood condition.

"This was a wonderful way to kick off our inaugural event in Westchester County," D’Ottavio said. “NF patients and families were brought together; a rare community opportunity for those affected by this rare and debilitating disease.”