:: TUMORNATORS :: So Tumors Won't Be Back! ::

Rock4Research 2008!

About The Tumornators

The Tumornators is a fundraising team started by the Leathers/Cone family in conjunction with the Children's Tumor Foundation that is dedicated to raising money and awareness to end Neurofibromatosis (NF) and Schwannomatosis through research.

On Christmas Eve 2006 while driving back to Georgia from one of Drew's many surgeries at Johns Hopkins Hospital, the family decided to take a more active role in Drew's illness. The foundation was born February 2007 when they put together a compelling slideshow telling Drew's story that, accompanied by a heartfelt song written by Drew's brother, Ben, appeared on the newly-formed web site.

Thanks to the generosity of people like you, the grassroots campaign has raised over $100,000 to date through fundraisers, donations and with the help of friends like Atlanta Braves right fielder Jeff Francoeur and former NFL player Matt Stinchcomb and New Orleans Saint, Jon Stinchcomb .

All funds raised are donated directly to the Children's Tumor Foundation so that Drew and others like him can live a life free of the devastating impact of tumors.

Watch This Short Slideshow

to get a better idea about Drew's Story

About Neurofibromatosis (NF)

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a set of distinct genetic disorders that cause tumors to grow along the outside of nerves and, in addition, can affect the development of other tissues such as bones and skin. NF causes tumors to grow anywhere on or in the body.

The disease affects roughly one in every 3,000 people, making NF more prevalent than Cystic Fibrosis, hereditary Muscular Dystrophy, Huntington’s Disease and Tay Sachs combined.

The three distinct classifications of NF are NF1, NF2 and Schwannomatosis. Schwannomatosis has only recently been recognized as a subtype of NF and appears to affect one out of 40,000 individuals.

The condition is marked by tumors that originate on the covering of nerves. The tumors remain on the outside of the nerve but may push it aside or against a bone, causing damage and severe pain. To date, there is no cure for this genetic disorder. As a result, surgically removing tumors and pain management may be a patient’s only option.