Woman Diagnosed with Rare Disorder After Volleyball Injury Left Her 'Completely Deaf'

McKinnon Galloway's diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 2 led to years of surgeries and treatments for tumors that eventually caused her to lose her hearing.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:49pm

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At 16 years old, McKinnon Galloway was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 2, a rare genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves, after a volleyball injury led to an MRI. Over the years, Galloway underwent multiple brain surgeries and treatments to manage the tumor growth, but eventually lost her hearing completely in 2022. Now 33, Galloway advocates for others with NF2, which she says 'takes away the kids' childhood'.

Why it matters

Neurofibromatosis type 2 is a rare disorder that affects only about 1 in 33,000 people. Galloway's story highlights the challenges faced by those living with NF2, including the impact on mental health and family dynamics. Her advocacy work aims to raise awareness and support for the NF2 community.

The details

After hitting her head during a volleyball match as a teenager, Galloway underwent an MRI that revealed she had two tumors pressing on the nerves in her brain, caused by neurofibromatosis type 2. She was put on medication to slow the tumor growth, but eventually needed multiple brain surgeries. In 2022, while on vacation in Russia, Galloway woke up 'completely deaf.' Doctors were able to restore some of her hearing with medication, but a 10-hour brain surgery in March 2023 resulted in permanent hearing loss.

  • At 16 years old, Galloway was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 2 after a volleyball injury.
  • In 2022, on New Year's Day, Galloway woke up 'completely deaf' while on vacation in Russia.
  • On March 18, 2023, Galloway underwent a 10-hour brain surgery that resulted in permanent hearing loss.

The players

McKinnon Galloway

A 33-year-old woman from Charlotte, North Carolina who was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 2 at age 16 after a volleyball injury.

Tracy Galloway

McKinnon Galloway's mother, who became the chair of the board of the Children's Tumor Foundation to help secure funding and research for her daughter's condition.

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What they’re saying

“I went for a dive and hit my head on the ground. So I went in for a routine MRI.”

— McKinnon Galloway

“My father started drinking. Every time I had a hearing test that went down or growth in my tumors or anything like that, he would relapse.”

— McKinnon Galloway

“Diagnosed at 16, I was lucky enough to have my childhood. NF takes away the kids' childhood and they deserve to have one, not in hospitals.”

— McKinnon Galloway

What’s next

Galloway continues to advocate for others with neurofibromatosis type 2 and raise awareness about the rare disorder.

The takeaway

Galloway's story highlights the challenges faced by those living with neurofibromatosis type 2, a rare genetic disorder that can have a profound impact on a person's health and quality of life. Her advocacy work aims to support the NF2 community and ensure that those affected, especially children, are able to have a normal childhood.