Dasher is a 7 year old golden lab born in Ohio. He assists Leah Manth with her with balance and hearing. Dasher is also Leah's best friend and goes to all her doctors appointments, treatments, and surgeries to help take care of her. His hobbies include eating peanut butter, playing with his toys, and chasing balls. He is a very good boy.

Dr. David H. Gutmann is a renowned neurologist specializing in Neurofibromatosis, particularly NF1. His research focuses on understanding the genetic and cellular mechanisms behind nervous system problems in NF patients. Early in his career, Dr. Gutmann identified the role of the NF1 protein neurofibromin in downregulating the RAS cell signaling pathway and has since used innovative techniques like induced pluripotent stem cells and engineered mice to explore its function. He established the Washington University Neurofibromatosis Center, a world leader in the field, and has developed community programs to provide patients care throughout their lives. Beyond research, Dr. Gutmann champions collaboration. He has established international partnerships, led efforts to create medical practice guidelines, and facilitated clinical trials for new NF treatments. His dedication extends to training, having mentored numerous clinicians and scientists and actively contributing to educational programs. Dr. Gutmann's achievements are well-recognized. He has been published over 500 scientific papers, received continuous funding from the National Institutes of Health, and been honored with prestigious awards, including the 2012 Children’s Tumor Foundation Frederich von Recklinghausen Lifetime Achievement Award, a 2013 Washington University Distinguished Faculty Research Award, a 2017 Alexander von Humboldt Award, the 2019 Society for Neuro-Oncology Abhijit Guha Award, the 2020 National Neurofibromatosis Network Advocate of Hope Award, the 2020 American Academy of Neurology Neuro-Oncology Scientific Award, and the 2020 American Association of Neurology triennial George W. Jacoby Award. He is an elected Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology, the American Neurological Association, the Association of American Physicians, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the National Academy of Medicine, as well as a former member of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Advisory Council.

Dr. Frank Buono is an Associate Research Scientist and lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine, as well as the co-director of the Neurocutaneous Clinic at Yale New Haven Hospital. His research centers around digital technologies (e.g., mobile applications, web-based digital interventions) that can assist with treatment for individuals with rare diseases and those who have limited financial and clinical resources. He has focused his research on the understanding of chronic pain in Neurofibromatosis, the impact of chronic pain on quality of life, and complementary/alternative approaches for pain management. His most recent project centers around a mobile application for chronic pain management for adults with Neurofibromatosis type 1 called iCanCope-NF, which showed positive results for patients experiencing chronic pain during a study conducted in 2022. Dr. Buono has been diagnosed with NF2-SWN.

Dr. Tessa Hadlock is a distinguished facial plastic surgeon and a leading expert in facial nerve disorders, known for her pioneering work in treating facial paralysis. With nearly three decades of specialized experience, she has developed cutting-edge surgical techniques that have set new standards in the field. Dr. Hadlock is a professor at Harvard Medical School and previously served as the Director of the Facial Nerve Center at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, before founding her private practice--the Hadlock Center for Facial Plastic Surgery. Her contributions to medical research are internationally recognized, and she remains deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of surgeons. Fluent in several languages, Dr. Hadlock combines clinical excellence with a compassionate approach to patient care.

John is the father of Leah Math, who was diagnosed with NF two in 2007 when she was just seven years old. John and his family are dedicated to finding meaningful treatments and a cure for NF2. He is the current president of the board of directors for the NF Network as well as chairman of the board of directors for NF Northeast--he previously served on the board of directors for NF2 BioSolutions, as well as Advocure NF2. Since Leah's diagnosis, the Manth family and friends have raised a million dollars and sponsored 13 NF2 research studies. John is a staunch advocate for federal funding for NF research and assists in coordinating, training, and mentoring NF families attending the NF Network's annual trip to Washington, D.C. He has extensive experience in fundraising, non-profit organizational leadership, advocacy, and NF outreach. John, his wife Linda, and Dr. Scott Plotkin co-wrote a booklet entitled "Understanding NF2," published by the NF Network. He has also written articles on various NF topics. Additionally, he has presented at numerous NF symposia and has facilitated many NF family and patient discussions. John teaches undergraduate courses in violence, global crime, and comparative criminal justice at Hilbert College in Hamburg, New York, as well as a criminal justice career program to high school students. He holds a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Criminology from the University of Maryland and a Master's of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and Education from Buffalo State College.