The Children's Tumor Foundation
10/13/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/13/2026 08:02
Freezin’ for a Reason: Cupid’s Undie Run Returns to Fight NF
very February, when most people are hiding from the cold, thousands run straight into it-by choice. Some wear only their underwear; others opt for tutus or full-blown costumes. Cupid's Undie Run, the nation's most daring fun run, turns a winter day into a celebration of laughter, courage, and half-frozen selfies-all to raise funds for the Children's Tumor Foundation (CTF) and accelerate the development of better treatments for people living with NF.
NF, short for neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis, affects approximately 4 million people worldwide. Since its founding in 2010, Cupid's Undie Run has raised millions of dollars to advance NF research and move promising discoveries toward treatments.
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Cupid's Undie Run is a little cheeky by design, but the purpose behind it couldn't be more serious. Since 2013, our Austin community has raised more than $1 million to advance NF research. People may come for the party and brief run, but they leave knowing they were part of something bigger-raising funds to advance treatments and find cures for everyone living with NF.
Meera Rajagopalan
Austin Event Director and the Children's Tumor Foundation's 2026 Volunteer of the Year
How it Works
Participants sign up, rally friends and family to support their fundraising, and then come together for an unforgettable day of fun with a serious purpose.
The celebration begins with music, costumes, and that unmistakable "are we really doing this?" energy before everyone heads out for a quick "mile-ish" run. Some brave the cold in their underwear, others add tutus or bathrobes, pajamas or costumes, but everyone shows up to move NF research forward.
Then it's back inside to warm up, dance, celebrate, and keep the party going-Cupid's style.
What is NF?
Neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis, collectively known as NF, are genetic conditions that cause tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. Affecting 1 in 2,000 people-approximately 4 million worldwide-NF occurs across all populations and can lead to blindness, deafness, bone abnormalities, disfigurement, learning challenges, disabling pain, and cancer.
The Children's Tumor Foundation (CTF) is a global leader in NF research and drug development, driving progress across every stage of the pipeline-from scientific discovery and clinical trials to partnerships that accelerate new treatments and improve care for people living with NF. CTF's mission is to end NF.
Get Involved
Cupid's Undie Run is a nationwide movement bringing communities together in the fight against NF. In 2027, events will take place in Albuquerque, Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boise, Boston, Charleston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Raleigh-Durham, Reno, St. Louis, Virginia Beach, and Washington, D.C.
Be part of the fun, the purpose, and the progress-register today at cupids.org.
The Children's Tumor Foundation published this content on October 13, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 13, 2026 at 14:02 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]