Halloran-Fettig Family Fund for NF2 Research

The Halloran and Fettig families have joined forces around one goal: to raise urgently needed funds to accelerate research toward treatments and, ultimately, a cure for the rare genetic disorder Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2), including for our beloved twin nieces, Lizzie and Alanna.

For eight years, since their diagnosis at age 12, Lizzie and Alanna have met with grace and courage the harsh realities of NF2. The disease causes dangerous tumors to multiply, typically along the cranial nerves and spinal cord, often leading to hearing and vision loss and compromised mobility.

Lizzie and Alanna, now Juniors at the University of Minnesota, have undergone complex, high-risk surgeries to remove tumors threatening their well-being. These procedures are only stopgaps, not solutions, and come with significant risks. NF2 symptoms bring daily challenges, and we live with the knowledge that the next scan can change everything.

Yet hope is on the horizon. Recent advances in NF2 gene therapy and immunotherapy research are getting us close to human trials for a treatment we believe will be the answer to our prayers. 

We need your help to get us there. 

That’s why we are asking you to partner with us by donating to the Halloran-Fettig Family Fund for NF2 Research through NF2 BioSolutions, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to supporting efforts to accelerate a cure. Your generous tax-deductible donations will go directly to the labs and scientists whose work is opening doors to effective therapies and human trials. We are so close!

We invite you to join us in turning hope into action, fueling effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for NF2 that will allow Lizzie and Alanna and so many others the opportunity to live full, healthy lives. 

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Mike and Danette Fettig Halloran, parents of Lizzie and Alanna. Mike is chair of NF2 Biosolutions’ development committee, and the family serves as Minnesota ambassadors.

The Halloran siblings: Walt, Liz, Teresa, Mary, John, Mike, and Joe

The Fettig siblings: Darrel, David, Doug, Diane, Denise, Danette, Dwight, Debra, and Derik

P.S.  Listen here to what Dr. Gary Brenner has to say about the promise his groundbreaking NF2 bacteriotherapy research is showing, and read more here about how his lab at Massachusetts General Brigham is using bacteria to attack NF2-associated tumors.