Local tattoo shop, online community hold event to help fight neurofibromatosis

A local tattoo shop and online community are holding an event to raise funds for neurofibromatosis research today until 10 p.m. at 27 West Franklin Street.

Aisle 9 Tattoo and Drinkin’ Bros, a worldwide online community, teamed up to raise funds to fight neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2). The hereditary condition is most commonly associated with benign (noncancerous) tumors that occur on the nerves and spinal cord.

Artists from Aisle will be offering their own selection of flash art, donate their fees for tattoos to the Children’s Tumor Foundation, a non-profit organization that spends 80 percent of donations on research, patient support, and public education. Throughout the day there will also be raffles and giveaways.

“If Drinkin’ Bros raise $3,000, I’ll donate a portrait session to have your face tattooed on one of the Drinkin’ Bros,” said Matt Clemmer, Aisle 9 owner.

When Drinkin’ Bros raised nearly $6,000 in less than a month, Clemmer and the staff decided to host the Saturday event to raise money and raise awareness.

“Libby Elliott is a sweet, 7-year-old girl whose parents belong to our online community,” said Eric Totel of Drinkin’ Bros. “From the time her father told us about her diagnosis, we adopted Libby and her family as our own. We hope funds raised can help develop treatments and even a cure so Libby and other children like her no longer have to suffer from this disease.”