A woman has revealed that a volleyball accident led to the discovery of a rare genetic condition that caused her to develop 13 tumors.
McKinnon Galloway, 33, was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) at just 16 years old, after a fall prompted a routine concussion scan.
What initially appeared as two brain tumors rapidly grew into many more.
McKinnon Galloway, 33, was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) at just 16 years old.
Today, she lives with 13 tumors across her body — including six in her spine, three in her hand, two in her neck, and two in her brain.
She has undergone four brain surgeries, including a life-saving procedure that left her completely deaf, as well as multiple experimental treatments.
Now a content creator, public speaker, and advocate for NF2 patients, Galloway, from North Carolina, is dedicated to raising awareness and supporting affected families.
“When I was 16, I played volleyball as a setter,” Galloway said. “I dove for the ball and hit my head on the ground, which led me to get a routine MRI.”
Galloway lives with 13 tumors throughout her body — six in her spine, three in her hand, two in her neck, and two in her brain.
Her journey with NF2 began at just 16 with a life-altering diagnosis following what was supposed to be a routine concussion check.
“You have two brain tumors. You’re going to go deaf by the time you graduate high school,” doctors told her.
The rare genetic condition disrupts a key signal in her DNA that normally tells nerve cells to stop growing. Without it, tumors can develop uncontrollably — growing outward and pressing on vital structures, or inward, shutting down the affected nerve.
Although doctors initially described the tumors as slow-growing, a follow-up appointment just six months later revealed they had grown by 100%.
Galloway’s journey with NF2 began at 16 with a life-altering diagnosis that would reshape her future.
She was quickly placed on Avastin, a drug originally developed to treat breast cancer, as doctors worked to slow the growth of her tumors.
At 21, she enrolled in a phase one experimental trial that had just moved from animal testing to human patients, where doses were gradually increased until she began experiencing adverse side effects.
Over the years, she underwent four brain surgeries — losing hearing in her right ear and then gradually in her left over the course of a decade.
Her father, Mark, a successful business owner, struggled to cope with the reality of his daughter’s diagnosis.
At 21, she enrolled in a phase one experimental trial that had just transitioned from animal testing to human patients, with researchers increasing doses until she began experiencing adverse reactions.
“My father started drinking,” said Galloway, from Charlotte.
“Every time my hearing declined or my tumors showed growth, he would relapse.”
Her father died by suicide at 56, when McKinnon was 25.
Galloway also has a 35-year-old brother in the military, while her mother, Tracy, 62, stepped up in extraordinary ways to support the family.
Over the years, Galloway underwent four brain surgeries, losing hearing in her right ear and gradually in her left over a decade.
“My mom stepped in and took both parent roles,” Galloway said.
“She became the chair of the board of the Children’s Tumor Foundation out of New York City, working to secure as much funding and research as possible. She really saved my life in so many ways.”
In 2022, Galloway’s world went completely silent.
“On New Year’s Day 2022, I woke up on a family vacation in Russia completely deaf. At first, I thought, ‘Oh, that’s nice. My mom has the TV on silent.’
“And then I realized, ‘I can’t hear you. I can’t hear anything.’”
Now a content creator, speaker, and advocate for NF2 patients, Galloway, from North Carolina, continues to raise awareness and inspire families.
Steroid treatments temporarily restored about 20% of her hearing in her left ear—until March 18, 2022, when she underwent her third brain surgery, leaving her world completely silent.
Her next brain surgery, intended to save her life, nearly ended it. Before the procedure, she chose “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” as the last song she might ever hear, honoring her late father’s favorite tune.
The 10-hour operation went disastrously wrong, resulting in severe complications and weeks of hospitalization.
Emerging into a fully deaf world without established communication methods was emotionally devastating.
Steroid treatments had restored about 20% of her left-ear hearing—until March 18, 2022, when she underwent her third brain surgery.
“I couldn’t communicate with my fiancé. I couldn’t talk to my family. I couldn’t talk to anyone,” she said.
For two years, Galloway struggled with isolation before discovering assistive technology that transformed her life.
Through her advocacy and social media work, she began teaching others about deaf technology and helping break down communication barriers.
Her college sweetheart, Brandon, 33, a mortgage broker, proposed on New Year’s Day 2023 in Las Vegas—right in the midst of their most challenging period of communication.
For two years, Galloway struggled with isolation before discovering assistive technology that would transform her life.
“He asked me in Vegas, and he had a little sign that said, ‘Will you marry me?’” she recalled.
The couple faces unique challenges while planning their wedding.
“I use deaf technology, so my balance isn’t the best,” she said, noting that they don’t have a set date yet—but one might be coming soon.
“I might as of next week! I am touring Sunset Ridge Estate!” she shared.
“All I can think about is being in a dress, walking down the aisle, tripping, and then having to rely on my technology to get through it,” she added.
Through her advocacy and social media work, Galloway has been teaching others about deaf technology and breaking down communication barriers.
“I don’t care if it’s perfect. Just worry it will be stressful,” she said.
While she hopes to have children, her condition makes it complicated.
“I could have kids, but hormones can make tumors grow, and there’s a 50% chance I could pass NF2 down,” she explained. “It makes it risky for both me and the child.”
Despite years of setbacks, there is hope.
“I just got my first stable scan in four years,” Galloway shared, noting improvements after 30 rounds of radiation and multiple chemotherapy treatments.
Her advocacy continues through her platform and organizations like the Children’s Tumor Foundation, where she has raised millions of dollars and served as a national ambassador.
Her college sweetheart, Brandon, 33, a mortgage broker, proposed on New Year’s Day 2023 in Las Vegas.
Galloway has also lobbied in Congress in Washington, D.C., advocating for federal funding and working toward a cure for NF2.
“Diagnosed at 16, I was lucky enough to have my childhood,” she said. “NF takes away kids’ childhoods, and they deserve to have one—not spent in hospitals.”
Looking ahead, Galloway acknowledges her fears about tumor growth and potential vision loss, both common complications of NF2.
“I’m honestly blessed to be on the other side so far — but that can change quickly,” she said. “For the worst luck, I have the best luck.”
