17-Year Partnership Between Landers and CTF

The Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF) was founded in 1978, investing nearly $200 million in research on Neurofibromatosis (NF), which is a genetic disease that impacts one in 2,000 births. NF can cause tumors to grow on nerves, which can lead to deafness, blindness, disfigurement, bone abnormalities, learning disabilities, pain, and cancer. CTF has been accelerating drug development and connects therapists to patients through patient-first collaboration. 

Landers began working with CTF in 2007 at their first Red Carpet for Research Gala, a fashion show to raise money for NF. The Landers family knew the fashion designer for the show and became sponsors. The relationship has continued to grow from there.

The fashion show transitioned into the Dancing with Our Stars event two years later. Scott Landers was one of the first six stars to compete and won the first-ever mirror ball trophy. A couple of years later, Chris Chase’s wife Kristen, who had a cousin with NF, was one of the stars.

“We have always tried to be good partners within our community,” said Chris Chase, General Manager of Landers Toyota. “Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand how great the need is and how misunderstood this disease is.”

Landers has continued to raise awareness for NF through multiple events. Landers dealerships donated cars for Kiss the Kia and Kiss the Chrysler events at the Arkansas State Fair, along with loaning two vans for Race Across America, a 3,000-mile bike race.

The NF Endurance Team competes in multiple races and events to raise awareness for NF, including the New York City Marathon and Race Across America. 

Besides the support in building awareness, Landers has provided over $73,000 in support. 

“Through our partnership with The Children’s Tumor Foundation, we have not only been able to raise money to help find a cure for NF, but also raise awareness,” said Chase.

“These memories with Landers on our team continue to inspire me and give me hope for a bright future,” Lesley Oslica, CTF Advisory Board Chair, concluded.