NF HOPE CONCERT RETURNS TO THE SMITH CENTER FOR The 12th ANNUAL EVENT AT MYRON’s
2022 Brings Variety of Performers to the Stage to Raise Awareness for Neurofibromatosis
Celebrating 12 years of fundraising and fantastic performances by top performers, the NF Hope Concert returns to the stage! Las Vegas’ most celebrated performers and entertainment-loving philanthropists will again join forces against neurofibromatosis at the 12th Annual NF Hope Concert. NF Hope Concert founders Jeff Leibow, formerly of “Jersey Boys,” and his wife Melody, are bringing the concert back to the prestigious Myron’s at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday Oct. 23. The lobby opens at noon for silent auction viewing, with the entertainment portion of the afternoon beginning at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $49 and can be purchased by visiting www.thesmithcenter.com/nfhope. For people who wish to watch the event from the comfort of home or outside of Nevada, livestream tickets are also available for the performance beginning Oct. 3. The NF Hope Concert benefits Neurofibromatosis Network, an organization dedicated to families and individuals suffering from Neurofibromatosis (NF).
Since the inaugural event in 2011, the “NF Hope Concert” continues to grow leaps and bounds with every passing year, with more than $1.5 million raised for Neurofibromatosis research and advocacy and growing to three cities – Las Vegas, New York City and Chicago. Hosted by consummate emcee and top radio personality, Chet Buchanan, 2022’s NF Hope Concert features legendary Vegas performer Clint Holmes, popular vocalist Michelle Johnson, Broadway star Brent Barrett, and LVA Grad, Future Broadway Star Runner-Up Breanna DeSantos, and more, along with Jeff and Melody Leibow with a special guest appearance by daughter Emma.
“For the first time since 2019, we had a full year of live events in Las Vegas, New York, and Chicago and once again back home at Myron’s at The Smith Center. The feedback we’ve received from NF families, our patrons, and the incredibly generous performers who contribute their talents, has been a beautiful reminder of how powerful these events are,” said Leibow. “This year, we are blessed to have the support of our national sponsor, SpringWorks Therapeutics and our presenting sponsor, Alexion Pharmaceuticals. Both organizations are not only generous, but are dedicated to creating treatments for the NF community.”
Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic disorder of the nervous system characterized by tumors that can grow on any nerve in the body without warning. The Leibows’ young daughter, Emma, was diagnosed with this condition in 2010 when she was just nine months old. As Leibow and his wife, Melody, learned more about the disorder’s devastating effects, they conceived the idea for the concert with the realization that they had an obligation to both their family and the 128,000 people living with NF to educate others about the disorder. Although it is a common genetic disorder, most people are not aware that one in 2,500 people are born with it making it more common than cystic fibrosis, hereditary muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s disease, and Tay Sachs combined.
Emma continues to inspire her parents and those around her with her courage and resilience. “For the last handful of years, we have been watching a large tumor in her leg that stretches from her hip to her knee. It has led to a few surgeries and carries with it a chance of becoming an incurable NF cancer,” said Melody Leibow. “As if simply having this tumor isn’t enough, this year, swelling in Emma’s knee caused by the tumor led to a dislocation of her knee cap. It almost took her out of dance, which would have been devastating since dance is her escape from the struggles NF causes. That feeling of helplessness as an NF parent is heartbreaking.” Emma spent more than four months in physical therapy, working hard to overcome her newest challenge. It has been a sobering reminder of what NF families face every day, and it has emphasized for the Leibows why it is so important to continue raising awareness and funds to help fight this disorder and make a difference for Emma and the tens of thousands living with it.
For 2022, the NF Hope Concert honors longtime NF Hope Concert supporter and friend, Libby Hoover with the Advocate of Hope Award for her tireless efforts and endless generosity. The Paul Bodner Memorial Award will be presented to Rachel Pereira, an inspirational member of the NF community who exemplifies what it means to turn life’s lemons into the sweetest lemonade.
Tickets start at $49 and can be purchased at any box office at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, online via www.thesmithcenter.com/nfhope or by calling 702-749-2000 (TTY 800-326-6868). A select number of sponsorships are available. Sponsors include ad space in the annual Tribute Journal, sponsor recognition and prime seating at the Oct. 23 concert. For more information about becoming a sponsor, email [email protected]. The NF Hope Concert also features a lavish silent auction including priceless experiences, ticket packages to the top shows on the Strip, hotel stay packages, celebrity experiences, restaurant gift certificates, and more. Early access to the silent auction begins Friday, Oct. 14 via http://nfhopelv22.givesmart.com. The auction will open for viewing noon on the day of the event. For more information on NF Hope, visit www.nfhope.org. You can follow NF hope on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The 2022 NF Hope Concert is sponsored by presenting sponsor Alexion Pharmaceuticals and national sponsor SpringWorks Therapeutics along with All Western Mortgage, Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters, PENTA Building Group and Findlay Toyota.
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About Jeff Leibow:
Jeff Leibow landed in Las Vegas in 2008 as one of the stars in the Tony Award-Winning musical, “Jersey Boys.” Before that, he worked in professional theaters all over the country garnishing award nominations for many of his performances. Immediately after his arrival in Vegas, he made giving back to the community a priority, involving himself with every charity event and benefit concert he could fit into his schedule. In 2009, his daughter became his top priority as did raising awareness for Neurofibromatosis, the disorder she is afflicted with. He and his wife founded the annual NF Hope Concerts in 2011, which has raised more than $1.5 million for Neurofibromatosis research and advocacy so far. In 2014, after more than 7 years and 2,700 performances in JERSEY BOYS, he stepped down to dedicate more of his time to the cause that means so much to him and his family. For additional information, visit www.jeffleibow.com or follow on Twitter/Instagram: @jeffleibow
About NF Network:
The NF Network (formerly NF, Inc.) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and was founded in 1988 by a group of people who were in some way affected by neurofibromatosis. We are the leading national organization advocating for federal funding for NF research and building and supporting NF communities. The NF Network’s goal is to eradicate the health issues, pain, isolation and uncertainty that the diagnosis of NF inflicts. The NF Network provides opportunities for local NF organizations to share experiences. The network is a dynamic and growing open space for shared resources, development of new tools, and creation of innovative programs. It brings together groups from around the country to speak as one voice on national issues. You can find more information about Neurofibromatosis Network at www.nfnetwork.org or by calling the office at 630-627-1115.
