Announcing the Winners of the 2025 "I Know a Fighter" Photo Contest!

We’re thrilled to reveal the winners of this year’s I Know a Fighter Photo Contest!

I Know a Fighter shines a light on the strength, resilience, and everyday bravery of those living with neurofibromatosis and all forms of schwannomatosis, including NF2-related schwannomatosis. Each photo shared is a powerful reminder that behind every diagnosis is a fighter—and a story worth telling.

Scroll down to see the winning image and a gallery of inspiring honorable mentions. And don’t forget, you can continue to help us raise awareness by using the hashtag #EndNF and sharing your story here.

Winning Photo

Young boy lies on pavement next to chalk drawings of balloons and clouds, with text reading "NF CAN'T HOLD ME DOWN." He wears sunglasses and a shirt that says "Born a fighter.

My son Zachary has NF1. Our family got together on May 17th and decided to take some fun and uplifting pictures.
-Submitted by Amanda Zellers

Honorable Mentions

Two children wearing matching shirts stand holding hands on a rural road with mountains and clear blue sky in the background.

I was diagnosed at 11 with NF2-related schwannomatosis. I inherited the disorder from my dad, who passed in 2013 but left behind a legacy. He showed me how to fight NF2 with grace, bravery, humor, resilience, and determination. My son, Roderick, was diagnosed at 5 months old through genetic testing. I started this journey walking alongside my dad, and now I walk alongside my son. NF2 may stack a mountain of barriers, but as long as we stand by one another, there is nothing we cannot overcome. My father showed me how—now it’s my turn to show my son.
-Submitted by Chyenne Duarte

Smiling child wearing a green "Shine a Light NF Walk" T-shirt stands on grass in front of an inflatable play structure at an outdoor event.

My daughter Elizabeth was diagnosed three years ago at age five. She is a fighter and doesn’t let anything stop her.
-Submitted by Jennifer Womack

A person stands on a rocky plateau holding hiking poles, wearing sunglasses, a hat, and a shirt that reads "Born A Fighter." The sky is bright with scattered clouds.

This is my hike up to Delicate Arch in Moab (within Arches National Park) with my brother and cousin in May 2025. I have NF2-related schwannomatosis. My most recent issue was brain surgery followed by a stroke in 2019. I am grateful every day to spread awareness of my rare disease.
-Submitted by Erika Robertson

A young boy wearing glasses and a "Born A Fighter" shirt poses energetically on a sidewalk with grass in the background.

This is my son Kolsen. He is seven years old and lives in Alabama. He was clinically diagnosed with NF1 on April 15, 2025 and we received the confirmation of his diagnosis on May 5, 2025. This picture captures his personality perfectly. He’s such a happy, kind, and funny child and was definitely born for a purpose. We are so thankful for these t-shirts and information that you provide on your website because it has truly helped us accept this diagnosis and we want to raise awareness and be an advocate for this condition. Because of you we do not feel alone.
-Submitted by Brittany Chapman

An adult and a child sit together indoors, both wearing matching shirts that say "I KNOW A FIGHTER." They are making fists and posing for the camera.

This is my daughter and her Dad. She’s been an NF1 warrior for four years now. She was diagnosed at age two. She’s our little fighter!
-Submitted by Nicole Hernandez

A young woman wearing a "Born a Fighter" t-shirt smiles at a table, holding a red card. Colorful hats and signs are visible in the background.

My daughter has NF1. She has a spontaneous mutation. We’ve slowly learned as we went about NF1 a huge turning point for her was going to the NF1 Summit in San Antonio 2024. She learned so much, gained confidence and hope and we are so thankful for that!
-Submitted by Golda Houidobre

A group of people of various ages stand together outside a building, many wearing matching “I Know a Fighter” shirts and smiling at the camera.

At our recent family reunion, everyone wore “I Know a Fighter” shirts to show love and support for my son Clark and me, who both live with neurofibromatosis. We were both born fighters. Living with NF means facing uncertainty, doctor visits, MRIs, and challenges most people don’t see. But it’s also given us strength, empathy, and the resilience you don’t ask for but learn to embrace.

Seeing our family show up like this—to raise awareness and stand beside us—was overwhelming in the best way. It reminded me that no fighter ever stands alone. Clark and I are surrounded by love, and love is louder than fear.
-Submitted by Vivienne Lewis

A man in a blue North Face shirt flexes his arm, displaying a tattoo or writing on his bicep that says "I KNOW A FIGHTER.

My 5 year old son, Harvey, who is an absolute gem of a human, lives with NF1. He was diagnosed as an infant due to his cafe au lait spots. We travel out of state annually to visit Dr. Gutmann out of Washington University in St. Louis. He even made it into their brochure! Harvey lives life to the fullest and is loved by everyone he meets! I’ll fight for him forever.
-Submitted by Casey Blount (pictured)