SEASIDE HEIGHTS – Hundreds of people will be braving the cold in just their underwear during Cupid’s Undie Run, the nation’s largest pant less party and mile run for charity.
The event was created to bring further awareness of neurofibromatosis (NF) – a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body – and fundraises for NF research through the Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF).
The event will take place not only in the Borough of Seaside Heights but in 33 other cities across the United States. Runners and walkers will gather at the Beachcomber Bar & Grill, 100 Ocean Terrace, at 2 p.m. on February 15. Registration will start at noon. with the goal of raising $15,000.
“It’s not even a big route. We’ll be going up the boardwalk and back,” said Gael Burman, the volunteer coordinator for the local event.
More than 30 other events supporting the same cause are taking place this winter at various dates. “It is going to be a lot of fun. It is the first time we are doing it in New Jersey and hopefully we will get a good crowd,” Burman said.
The Montvale New Jersey resident said, “we had done another event at the Beachcomber right after Covid so we wanted to go back there. We had done a walk in October there. I’ve been involved with My Cupids for the last four years. I was participating in it in New York City. Since this is the first year here, I am not doing New York as we are really trying to push for my fundraising in New Jersey,” she added.
Burman explained, “All the money gets pulled together to help the Children’s Tumor Foundation to raise money and awareness for neurofibromatosis which has touched me. I actually have neurofibromatosis one (NF1). My son as well has it and he is nine years old.”
“NF effects people differently. For me I have a severe learning disability. I’m dyslexic and I’ve had many of the tumors that grow on different nerves. I’ve had surgery to remove some of the ones that were on my back and on my front that were more like skin tags – ones that were bothersome because of being on the nerves,” she added.
She said, “my parents had it when I was a toddler and they didn’t know much about it. I was born in South Africa and they didn’t know too much about it back then. As more and more information has become known about what it is and how people are affected by it differently. There are no two cases as the same just because of how the tumors can be formed for different people.”
Burman noted that some who suffer NF have tumors all over their body. “They aren’t sure if puberty makes a difference. My son right now has some that are under the skin and nerves but he doesn’t have anything on the skin as such. He does have a learning disability, is dyslexic and has ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).”
ADHD is a mental health condition that can cause unusual levels of hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors. Those with ADHD may have trouble focusing their attention on a single task or sitting still for long periods of time. Many people experience inattention and changes in energy levels.
Registration is open for the Cupid Undie Run to be held on February 15 for the first time in Seaside Heights. (Photo courtesy Cupid’s Undie Run)
Burman said those suffering from NF is treated through a combination of medication and surgery. “There have been cases where chemo has shrunk the tumors. A lot of people with NF the tumors are non-cancerous and for others it can form and it can be cancerous so you have to be monitored by a neurologist or by a doctor who really understands NF.”
She said there is NF2 as well as another form of NF. She said NF2 “is where people may not have been diagnosed early on and discover they have it later on in life and the tumors can be more cancerous than they are non-cancerous.”
“We are trying to shine more light on NF and the walks we do in the fall. Cupids is a little bit different because it is for those 21 and over because it is hosted at a bar or a restaurant that has a bar. The other walks we do are more family oriented which is nice because you get to see families and the kids and what it means and how it affects families,” Burman added.
“We are trying to see what we can do to bring more awareness and support out there. After I learned about my son’s diagnosis, I got more involved and started a Facebook group for local families to say ‘look you aren’t alone out there. We are in this together and we are here to support you.’”
Burman will be wearing her pink Valentine’s Day tutu for the event. “We love being out there by the water. It is a great way to bring awareness and celebrate the holiday of love on Valentine’s Day weekend.”
More information regarding the event and how to register and donate to the cause can be found at my.cupids.org/event/2025-cupids-undie-run-new-jersey/e643595
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