Inspirational Kiama's Julia and Jessica run for neurofibromatosis

And while this year's Cupid's Undie Run in Kiama (scheduled for Sunday, February 20) to support people impacted by neurofibromatosis (NF) has "undergone a rejig" due to COVID concerns, the event will still be going ahead, just in a different format.

Instead of being a big group event from the Kiama Surf Club, you can now form your very own DIY run where you get to pick the location and time between now and February 28.

While facing such uncertainty and adversity, Julia and Jessica have discovered individual passions, advocating for NF awareness in their own unique way.

Julia was first diagnosed with NF at the age of 20.

Her condition was almost unheard of and her heart was broken by the news that the condition had been passed on to her daughter, Jessica.

Julia sought a way to cope and she found that in running.

Read more:

She stands by the motto "can't run from NF... can run for NF'', and run she has, completing 320km of the Camino through Spain, participating in countless marathons across the USA and directing the Cupid Undie Run in Kiama since 2011.

Julia does not let NF stop her.

Jessica was a natural advocate from a young age.

When diagnosed with a brain stem tumour at 16 her classmates applauded as she attended her final radiation therapy, having missed only two days of school during treatment.

NF has not been Jessica's only adversity, diagnosed with Asperger's and navigating learning disabilities fitting in has not always been easy.

Jessica is a creative spirit completing her BA in English Literature and she hopes to one day publish her own children's book.

Supporting each other and others, Julia and Jessica are an inspiring family unit and while their interests may differ, they come together in their drive to advocate for NF.

For further info on the newlook Cupid's Undie Run go to https://www.cupidsundierun.com.au/events/30/diy-cupids-undie-run