As winter settles over Detroit and most residents bundle up against the cold, a unique and spirited event brings warmth and purpose to the city’s streets. Cupid’s Undie Run is back -- a bold, joyful celebration that raises awareness and funds to fight neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic disorder that affects millions worldwide.
Each February, cities across the country turn up the music, shed layers and gather to support families impacted by NF. The event blends high-energy fun with a powerful mission.
What is Cupid’s Undie Run? A party with a purpose
Part party, part run and all heart, Cupid’s Undie Run kicks off with music, high-energy fun and community connection before participants embark on a roughly one-mile run. Afterwards, the celebration continues indoors to keep the momentum alive.
The signature spirit? Wear whatever makes you feel bold -- superhero capes, colorful tutus, Valentine’s flair or classic Cupid looks. The focus is on the cause, not the costume.
“It’s more than just a party,” said Brad Porter, director of Detroit’s Cupid’s Undie Run. “This event is designed to catch your eye. But once you show up, it clicks. You realize it’s not just a fun Saturday -- it’s about coming together to help thousands of children and adults who truly need it.”
Kayleigh Morton, director of NFX, Gilbert Family Foundation’s sister organization, said the distinctive energy at the event is what makes it so powerful.
“The unique and lighthearted approach breaks through the noise of typical fundraising efforts and creates memorable conversations about a condition that many people may not be familiar with,” she said. “By supporting this event, participants help fund important research and provide resources for those living with NF and their families.”
Now in more than 31 cities nationwide, Cupid’s Undie Run has raised millions for NF research through the Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF), the leading nonprofit dedicated to ending NF.
Alexandra Norton, 2026 CTF national ambassador and someone living with NF, said, “It is pure fun with so much heart. I know what it’s like to face the challenges of NF, and seeing this community show up laughing, running, dancing and freezing -- to make a difference -- is amazing,” she said. “The energy, the joy, the sheer ridiculousness of it all -- you leave knowing you were part of something unforgettable, and all that fun is fueling real progress.”
Detroit’s momentum is building
Detroit’s Cupid’s Undie Run returns on Feb. 14, uniting runners, fundraisers and supporters in a Valentine’s Day experience unlike any other.
The Detroit event has already raised $22,000 toward its $45,000 goal, with every participant bringing the community closer to critical research breakthroughs.
Local participation sends a powerful message to families living with NF: they are seen, supported and not alone in the fight.
The Gilbert Family helped bring Cupid’s Undie Run to Detroit. This year the foundation’s sister organization NFX is proudly sponsoring the Cleveland and Detroit events.
“I’ve seen firsthand how this event can change people,” Porter said. “Eight years ago, I found this event for one simple reason -- it looked fun. We were instantly hooked. The next year, we brought more people. Then we started raising money. Along the way, we learned about the cause and discovered friends and their family that are affected by this disease. Ten years ago, if you asked me what NF was, I would’ve been guessing. Now, it’s something I’m proud to stand behind.”
Why NF awareness matters
Neurofibromatosis is a group of genetic disorders that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. Affecting 1 in 2,000 births, NF impacts an estimated 4 million people worldwide.
The condition can lead to blindness, deafness, chronic pain, learning challenges and disfigurement. For many families, it means ongoing surgeries, uncertainty and lifelong medical care.
The Children’s Tumor Foundation accelerates research to develop treatments and improve quality of life for those affected. Every dollar raised through Cupid’s Undie Run supports groundbreaking science -- helping researchers better understand NF, test new therapies and bring promising treatments to patients faster.
“Given its complexity, a cure for NF will not be achieved by one individual or organization,” Morton said. “It will be through the collective effort of many that the lives of NF patients around the world will improve.”
A personal commitment
For Dan Gilbert and Jennifer Gilbert, founders of the Gilbert Family Foundation, the fight against NF is deeply personal.
Their son, Nick, was diagnosed with NF and became a powerful advocate and inspiration through his optimism and public spirit. Nick sadly passed away from complications of the disease in 2023, but his legacy continues to fuel bold, cutting-edge research.
Through and initiatives partnerships like NFX, the foundation invests in collaborative “dream teams” that unite top researchers to tackle NF’s biggest challenges. Their annual beNeFit gala has raised more than $90 million to date in support of NF research.
[Related: Gilbert Family Foundation leads groundbreaking research efforts toward NF1 cure]
Cupid’s Undie Run is vibrant part of that commitment -- a moment when community energy and scientific ambition unite.
“I had the pleasure to meet several individuals over the years like Nick Gilbert -- an amazing individual who helped lead the way for research and care for the next generation,” Porter said. “Last year, we had a family attend who months earlier just found out their young girl had the disease, and they were so happy to meet people going through the same thing as them.”
Get involved in Cupid’s Undie Run Detroit 2026
Cupid’s Undie Run is more than a chilly mile -- it’s about courage, community and accelerating research so families affected by NF can face the future with hope.
You can make a difference by:
- Running
- Fundraising
- Donating
- Volunteering
- Sharing the mission
Every runner, every dollar, every voice matters.
“This event is completely judgment-free and all about the NF heroes,” Porter said. “Feeling shy? You’re still welcome. Don’t want to run? Come hang out, cheer people on and be part of it. The goal is to raise money for a cure -- the party is just a bonus.”
“Whether you run, donate or simply spread the word, your participation helps advance research and awareness for Neurofibromatosis,” Morton said. “Cupid’s Undie Run is a chance to be part of something bigger than yourself. Every contribution counts.”
Register today at cupids.org and join the fight against NF in Detroit on Feb. 14.