Branford Resident Robert Klouda Appointed to Board

For immediate release:

Neurofibromatosis Northeast welcomes Robert Klouda as new member of the Board of Directors

Burlington, MA based Neurofibromatosis Northeast, the non-profit patient advocacy organization whose mission is to find a cure and treatment for neurofibromatosis by promoting scientific research, creating awareness, and providing hope and support to those who are affected by NF, is extremely pleased to announce that Robert Klouda has recently been elected to serve as a member of their board of directors. Led by Board Chair, Lori Ryan, RN, MS, Neurofibromatosis Northeast has a highly professional 13-member board.

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic disorder of the nervous system that causes tumors to form on the nerves anywhere on or in the body at any time. While the vast majority of NF-related tumors may initially start out benign, the disorder can be debilitating and may cause disfigurement, blindness, deafness, psychological issues and cancer.

Klouda’s connection to neurofibromatosis is through his brother, Richard, who was diagnosed in 1987 with neurofibromatosis type 1 while they both attended Northeastern University. Sadly, Richard passed away in August 2017 at the age of 52 due to complications from his NF. Before he passed away, Klouda helped his brother start a blog about living with NF and purchased the domain www.nfnortheast.org as a platform to share the blog. Unfortunately, the blog was never completed, but Klouda and his family generously donated the domain name to NF Northeast, and the website is now the home to the online presence of NF Northeast.

NF Northeast Executive Director Karen Peluso commented, “Rob’s family has been tragically affected by neurofibromatosis, and we’re so grateful that he is turning that heartbreak into positive action that will improve the lives of others that are affected by NF.”

An avid golfer, Klouda has played in the International Golf Tournament and been a sponsor of the Fall Golf Classic, and he is currently helping to organize a golf tournament in Connecticut. He recently hosted a fundraiser in his home in Branford, Connecticut to help Dr. Frank Buono launch a new NF clinic at Yale New Haven Hospital, of which NF Northeast is a supporter. Klouda has been active in NF Northeast’s advocacy efforts by reaching out to Connecticut Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy requesting support for continued federal funding of medical research for NF.

Klouda says, “I’m so honored to be a member of the board and to be able to help make a difference in the fight to end NF in memory of my brother Richard and all of the others struggling with this awful disorder.” “The organization is very special to me.”

Professionally, Klouda is a Regional Sales Manager for Zscaler, a global cloud-based information security company. He and his fiancé, Christin live in Branford, Connecticut.

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About Neurofibromatosis Northeast:

Neurofibromatosis Northeast is based in Burlington, Massachusetts. Their mission is to find a cure and treatment for neurofibromatosis by promoting scientific research, creating awareness, and providing hope and support to those who are affected by NF.

To learn more about neurofibromatosis, visit the NF Northeast website at www.nfnortheast.org or call 781-272-9936.