JOIN THE FIGHT

A child smiling

AGAINST PEDIATRIC

A child smiling

BRAIN TUMORS

A pediatric brain tumor diagnosis is not a journey anyone should travel alone. Together, we can free families from financial stress and fight childhood brain cancer. Together, we are strong. We are fearless. We are IronMatt.

picture of a young girl fighting cancer.

The Matthew Larson Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumors, or IronMatt, understands firsthand how frightening a childhood brain cancer diagnosis can be. That’s why we’re on a mission to build a network committed to reducing family hardship, funding pediatric brain tumor research, and giving children the opportunity to live long, healthy lives.

Photo of Kelly and Matt Larson laying on the hospital bed, facing one another.

The Matthew Larson Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumors, or IronMatt, understands firsthand how frightening a childhood brain cancer diagnosis can be. That’s why we’re on a mission to build a network committed to reducing family hardship, funding pediatric brain tumor research, and giving children the opportunity to live long, healthy lives.

OUR PROGRAMS

WHAT WE DO

Financial Assistance
for Families

Navigating challenges like treatment regimens, extended hospitalizations, and everyday expenses can take an emotional and financial toll on families and caregivers.

The IronMatt Family Assistance Program aims to relieve the financial burden for families with a child undergoing brain or central nervous system cancer treatment.

line drawing of a brain

Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Grants​

Since 2007, IronMatt has funded groundbreaking research projects in hopes of finding a cure.

Learn more about the IronMatt Research Grant Program and how you can join the fight against childhood brain cancer.

Support Our Programs Donate Support Our Programs Donate Support Our Programs Donate

FACTS

FACTS ABOUT PEDIATRIC BRAIN & CNS TUMORS

From the American Cancer Society and National Library of Medicine.

number 1

Brain and spinal cord tumors are the second most common cancers in children (after leukemia).

number 2

More than 4,000 brain and spinal cord tumors are diagnosed each year in children and teens.

number 3

Brain tumors account for about 1 out of 4 childhood cancers. 

number 4

Among all childhood cancers, brain tumors are the leading cause of death.

number 5

One in 285 children will be diagnosed with cancer before their 20th birthday.

line squiggle

An estimated 5,900 new cases of pediatric brain tumors will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year.

OUR HEROES

IronKids logo

IT'S A MARATHON

IronKids and their families are the direct recipients of your generous donations. They are strong. They are fearless. They inspire us every day to go the extra mile in the fight against pediatric brain cancer.

The first IronKid, Matthew Larson, better known as IronMatt, was our inspiration for the foundation. When he lost his race to cancer at age 7, it became our mission to help the kids fighting this devastating disease run the distance. Because every child should be able to swim, bike, and run until they’re 70, not 7.

STRONG

FEARLESS

BRAVE

COURAGEOUS

illustration with the words strong and brave, with pics of cancer victims.

OUR IMPACT

NUMBERS

$4+M

In Family Assistance

2,200+

IronKids and Their Families Supported

$6.3M

Research Grants Funded to Search for a Cure

The Matthew Larson Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumors was rated a Four-Star Charity by Charity Navigator.

We earned a 100% across three beacons: 
1. Culture & Community
2. Accountability & Finance 
3. Leadership & Adaptability

Line drawing of pencil
Line drawing of pencil

GET INVOLVED

EVENTS

Discover other ways you can get involved with the IronMatt cause!

IronMatt Gala logo

IronMatt Gala

The Gala is our biggest fundraising event of the year, held each September in NYC.

New York City Marathon

New York City Marathon

Team IronMatt is happy to have IronMan competitor Kirsten Kincade supporting our runners.

March Mattness

March Mattness is a fun evening of beer pong and dancing, held every March.

TESTIMONIALS

REAL PEOPLE, REAL RESEARCH, REAL RESULTS

Dove line drawing
IronKidLily holds her new baby sibling

IronKid Lily is a Big Sister

Attendees at the 2024 September Gala learned about IronKid Lily and her battle with DIPG. We also learned that Lily had a bit of good news coming her way, mom was expecting twins. IronMatt is happy to announce IronKid Lily

Read More »
MattGiegerich IronMatt CEO

Matt Giegerich to Lead IronMatt as CEO

Matt Giegerich joins the IronMatt staff as Chief Executive Officer and leader of the Foundation’s mission: to build a network committed to reducing family hardship, funding pediatric brain tumor research and giving children the opportunity to live long, healthy lives.

Read More »
Graphic of dove flying upward