Participants from all over Central Florida gathered to show support at the 2023 Cupid’s Undie Run. (Photo by Shayne Watson)
ORLANDO | Half-naked participants from all over Central Florida gathered at Elixir Orlando to support those affected by neurofibromatosis at the 13th annual Cupid’s Undie Run Feb. 11.
Neurofibromatosis is a rare disorder that causes tumors to form on nerve tissues. The disorder can affect everyone, no matter gender or age, and 50% of all neurofibromatosis cases occur in families with no history of the disorder.
“It’s a tough word to say, even harder to live with,” Co-director Paul Falzone says.
Those diagnosed with neurofibromatosis cannot hide their tumors, so people from all over the nation strip down to their underwear every February to embrace the idea of loving one’s body.
“It’s for people to feel uncomfortable in their underwear out in the open the same way a person who has NF feels even when they are covered up,” Falzone says.
Falzone has neurofibromatosis and has had several people in his life affected by it. Falzone says while he has visible tumors around his neck, he doesn’t try to hide them.
“I don’t filter myself. This is me. If you don’t like it, you’re not worth it,” Falzone says.
This is Falzone’s second year organizing the Cupid’s Undie Run in Orlando and says it’s a beautiful thing to see the Orlando community coming together to support this cause and willing to learn more about the disorder.
The event started with a pre-game at Elixir as participants enjoyed drinks and music while waiting for the run to begin. The race was not competitive, as runners could take their time jogging through the city in their underwear. After the race, there was an open bar and free underwear for people who donated over $250.
Sarah’s Angels was the top donating team with over $10,000. The team from Rock Hard Fitness, an Orlando LGBTQ-friendly and supportive fitness center, came in third-place with donations bringing in over $4,000, even though Dache Jones, personal trainer and fitness instructor, said their goal was only $2,500, resulting in a 167% increase.
“We got up to three grand in a super fast amount of time, like we didn’t even expect us to get that far,” Jones says. “Then we hit four grand, I think, a couple of days ago. We were all really excited about that.”
Cupid’s Undie Run is partnered with the Children’s Tumor Foundation, and 100% of the net proceeds go towards funding neurofibromatosis research. Michele Holbrook is the 2023 Children’s Tumor Foundation Ambassador and has been traveling to all the Cupid Undie Runs in Florida
Holbrook has been participating in Cupid’s Undie Run for 10 years and says the exposure and the number of people that come out have grown significantly since then.
“When it first started, it was in Washington DC with just a couple of guys,” Holbrook says. “Now we have over 33 cities that are doing the Cupid Run this February.”
Holbrook has schwannomatosis, a form of neurofibromatosis, and over 100 tumors in her body. She says she enjoys talking to participants and educating them on the disorder.
“To be able to raise awareness for the younger generation, for the children and the young adults, is very important to me,” Holbrook said. “We have to find a cure.”
To donate to the organization, visit the Cupid’s Undie Run website at My.Cupids.org.
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