West Bloomfield Family Organizing Charity Event

Inspiration and desire for a cure to a disorder named neurofibromatosis will guide a West Bloomfield family in organizing a charity event this weekend.

The Saikalis family — Sara, Alexander, and mother Suzanne — helped organize last year's inaugural Great Steps for NF last year. This year's event kicks off at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at .

Over 150 turned out last year to donate over $8,000 for NF, Inc., Michigan, at last year's inaugural event. NF is a commonly-inherited genetic disorder, characterized by the growth of various-sized non-cancerous tumors on nerves in or leading away from the brain and spinal cord, and lesions in the vascular system.

NF, Inc., is a national nonprofit dedicated to research and support. 

It hits close to home for Suzanne, whose sister, Katherine Zehr, gave birth three-and-a-half years ago to a daughter with NF, Clara. The family, who live in Florida, still enjoy fun and games together, despite the pain caused by the disorder.

"Before her diagnosis, our family had never heard of neurofibromatosis. It is, however, the most common genetic disorder of the nervous system and affects about 1 in 2,500 people," Saikalis said. "Anyone can be born with NF."

For more information including how to donate to Great Steps for NF, visit its event page on .