ABOUT US
The Matthew Larson Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumors, or IronMatt, was founded in 2007 to overcome pediatric brain tumors and help the children and families affected by them.
We’re building a network committed to reducing family hardship, funding pediatric brain tumor research, and giving children the opportunity to swim, bike, and run until they’re 70, not 7.
With your help, we can increase the number of families supported and broaden the scope of research to end pediatric brain tumors.
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IronMatt: The Original
Matt’s Marathon
2002: Matthew Larson was just 2 ½ years old when he was diagnosed with choroid plexus carcinoma, a rare type of brain cancer. After nine months in the hospital, with several invasive surgeries, intense chemotherapy, and radiation, Matt was declared disease-free.
2006: Matt had his first recurrence. A second round of treatments seemed successful, leading to a short remission.
Matthew’s mother Kelly decided to create a foundation in Matthew’s name. She wanted to help raise the awareness and funds needed to overcome pediatric brain tumors and help the children and families affected by it.
The “IronMatt” concept was inspired by Kirsten Kincade, a close family friend who decided to support the foundation by competing in the 2007 Hawaii Ironman World Championship in honor of Matt. When she competed on October 13, 2007, Matt was determined to cross the finish line with Kirsten in spirit. He told her, “I can run very fast, you know!”
2007: Matt never made it to the finish line. He lost his five-year battle with brain and spinal cancer in April 2007.
OUR MISSION:
TO EMPOWER
AND THEIR FAMILIES
Pediatric brain cancer isn’t a journey anyone should travel alone. Throughout Matt’s ordeal, the Larsons were blessed with an incredible team of doctors, nurses, friends, family, and a community who were there for them every step of the way. They realized Matt’s diagnosis would have been much more difficult without the amazing resources and support they had received. They also knew many families aren’t as fortunate.
The Larsons decided to invest their own frustrations, fears, and hope for an eventual cure into the Matthew Larson Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumors.
Through Matthew’s story and your generous support and contributions, we hope to help the growing number of families facing this crisis while also funding the crucial medical research needed to find a cure.
Every child should look forward to a long, adventurous life.
Won’t you join us on this mission?
OUR IMPACT:
$4+M
In Family Assistance
2,200+
IronKids and Their Families Supported
$6.3M
Research Grants Funded to Search for a Cure
IRONMATT LEADERSHIP & STAFF
Our leadership team includes an Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and a Medical Advisory Committee who freely give their time and energy to this important cause. We also have a small paid staff who take care of our day-to-day operations.
MANAGING OUR FUNDS
IronMatt proudly manages and safeguards the generous contributions made by donors like you. We keep operating funds to a minimum so your donations can directly benefit children with pediatric brain tumors, their families, and researchers.
Charity Navigator rated The Matthew Larson Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumors a Four-Star Charity.
We earned a 100% across three beacons:
1. Culture & Community
2. Accountability & Finance
3. Leadership & Adaptability
