Springtime – is a time for renewal, a time for hope, a time for awareness. Awareness of our community and what goes on around us. Walks are one way many organizations choose to bring awareness to a community as well as raise funds to further spread that awareness and support.

Did you know -- that the first ever walkathon was crafted in 1953 by Puerto Rican actor Ramon Ortiz Del Rivero? He walked 80 miles for the Puerto Rican League Against Cancer.

In 1968, the first walkathon held in the US was sponsored by the American Freedom from Hunger Foundation. The walkathon drew over 3,000 walkers to the 33-mile route through the streets of Minneapolis with many of the walkers being children. The local organizers convinced comedian Johnny Carson to promote the event.

Today, millions of people worldwide take part in walkathons annually, and they are still one of the primary avenues for nonprofit peer-to-peer fundraising.

Raising awareness through walking and helping with community projects (see photos for some recent efforts by NF First) was a dream Myshell Reith had when she lost her battle with neurofibromatosis in September 2016. Myshell’s family has undertaken the journey of making her dream a reality.

At NF First, our main means of fundraising is our annual walk “Kickin It in the Park for NF”. This year the event will be held on May 19, 2018 at Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls. This year’s walk will be hosted by Alex & Cora of WAXX 104.5's Morning Show! For this walk you can form a team or walk as an individual. You can dress in costumes or come as you are! Will YOU join US on this journey to kick NF to the curb?