The Colin Courageous Foundation

05/10/2026

May is NF Awareness Month, and Thursday was one of those days we will never forget. 💙

Colin and I went back to the preschool he attended years ago. His teacher, Ms. Nancy, is still teaching there, and Ms. Kristy, the preschool director, is still there as well. Every year, the school hosts a lemonade stand fundraiser in support of the Colin Courageous Foundation.

Since this is Colin’s senior year, we knew we had to be there and it turned out to be such a beautiful and emotional day. There were definitely some tears, but even more laughter and joy.
What made the day so special was seeing so many people come together people who love Colin and even people who have never met him all raising awareness and supporting families affected by NF.

My heart is so full. We are endlessly grateful for this community, for teachers like Ms. Nancy and Ms. Kristy, and for every person who showed up with love and support. 💙💚🍋
Thank you, Mallard Creek Presbyterian Preschool. I hope you know the incredible impact you have made on Colin and the NF community. 💙💚 Children's Tumor Foundation Heidi Cashell Michael Cashell Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church Preschool

11/26/2025

11/19/2025

Such a wonderful weekend ❤️So humbling to receive the Humanitarian award from the Children’s Tumor Foundation 💙💚 Thank you to everyone who continues to support us- because of all of you, we will END NF ! Michael Cashell

10/07/2025

Many of you have followed our journey with Colin and NF.
This year, that same boy will graduate from Lake Norman High School — a milestone that fills our hearts with pride and gratitude.

We are beyond honored that The Colin Courageous Foundation is receiving the Humanitarian Award from the Children’s Tumor Foundation. What began as a way to help Colin has grown into something so much bigger — a mission of hope, strength, and community.

Colin’s story truly is one of hope. Watching him go from attending NF events as a child to becoming an active participant and advocate has been nothing short of amazing.

I would walk to the ends of the earth to find a cure for NF. Until that day comes, we will continue to fundraise, raise awareness, and fight for everyone affected by NF.

If you could share Colin’s story to help spread awareness, it would mean the world to us. 💙💛
And if you’re able, please consider making a donation to the Children’s Tumor Foundation to support vital research and help find a cure for NF. Every dollar makes a difference. 💙💚

10/04/2025

On November 17th, the NF community will gather at Gotham Hall in NYC for the National Gala—an evening of inspiration and celebration. With two new FDA-approved NF treatments, promising NF2-SWN trial results, and the first AI-discovered NF drug entering trials, momentum has never been stronger. Join us as we honor the champions driving progress.

The Children’s Tumor Foundation is honored to present this year’s awards to:

Humanitarian Award: Ken Walsh, Jr. and Heidi and Michael Cashell, co-founders of The Colin Courageous Foundation

Humanitarian Award: Chad and Kate Doerge, co-founders of pennysflight

Cloud Carrier Award: Richard Soll

2026 CTF National Ambassador: Alexandra Norton

Full announcement ➡️ https://www.ctf.org/news/ctf-national-gala-celebrates-nf-champions-and-marks-historic-progress-in-nf-research/

08/18/2025

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news! The Colin Courageous Foundation has been selected as an honoree at The Children’s Tumor foundation’s National Gala. This recognition inspires us to keep pushing forward in our mission to end NF. 💚💙

The 2025 Gala will celebrate extraordinary leaders whose passion, commitment, and impact are transforming the NF community.

November 17, 2025
Gotham Hall | New York, New York

Celebrate with us! | Find tickets and info at ctf.org/gala.

HONOREES
Ken Walsh, Jr. & Heidi and Michael Cashell, Co-founders, The Colin Courageous Foundation
Kate and Chad Doerge, Co-founders, pennysflight

CLOUD CARRIER AWARD
Richard Soll

2026 CTF NATIONAL AMBASSADOR
Alexandra Norton

ctf.org/gala