The Illumination Series |  Chapter 2

I am lucky to know this selfless woman. This woman’s entire life is devoted to loving people. She has over 1,000 tumors that are debilitating, but she helps other people every day.  People probably wonder how a person with that much pain is able to take the focus off herself by empowering others. I know it’s the strength provided by her Savior. Her life challenges me to make every day matter and to love God by loving his people. She lives 2 Corinthians 12:9, her weakness is her strength.

I am honored to bring you another story of  bravery, strength and love. Kelly’s story.

Hi, my name is Kelly Matthews and I am the founder of Tumor Hater inc. When the idea of Tumor Hater came about in 2009, I had no idea what the end result would be and what it would ultimately bring me. You see, I have a medical condition called neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). This has caused innumerable tumors to grow on my nerves and it also causes a great deal of pain and weakness. One doctor even said I easily have over 1,000 tumors. During spring of 2009 I really needed to go back to the doctors but being weary of the costly medical expenses I resisted making any appointments. A friend, knowing my circumstances, stepped in and said she would put together as many fundraisers as needed to pay for my medical bills. Little did I know how her compassion was going to change my life.

It was during this time I developed the phrase ‘tumor hater.’ I decided to print t- shirts with this phrase written across the front to sell and help raise funds. The shirts sold quickly and along with the fundraising we brought in $9,500(!!) It was then I began to realize the potential that ‘Tumor Hater’ could have when placed on a larger scale, combining ‘Tumor Hater’ product sales and fundraising. Same purpose, but nation wide, for hundreds of people that are in the same situation as I was. If just a couple friends can raise that much money in a small town, what could be accomplished nation wide sharing the same heart and passion? Well, here we are to find out. Tumor Hater Inc is now a tax exempt non profit, trademarked and ready to raise money for those with tumor related medical bills. Here at Tumor Hater inc we do not discriminate. Just like you, we hate all tumors and want to help no matter what type of tumor you have.

Tumor Hater Inc does not profit me personally, I have legally waived my rights to benefit in any way monetarily, but I have faith that my needs will be met elsewhere. Tumor Hater has too much potential to only benefit one person, and I am glad to have turned it into a non profit to help others. I am so thankful that it has given me more fight, drive and purpose to conquer my tumors, and I am eager for it to change your life as well.

Please consider donating to Tumor Haters Inc and join Kelly as she hates on tumors by loving on people who have them.