Matt Kampmeier’s Pickleball Cancer Journey: Matt Kampmeier, a retired IT manager, is using pickleball to stay active while fighting cancer. After a brain tumor surgery last November, he continues to play the sport he loves. Kampmeier manages vision problems and treatment side effects with support from friends and his fiancée Cindy Howley.
Pickleball After Brain Surgery
Matt Kampmeier spent over 30 years working in IT. He retired hoping to travel, but then learned he had a brain tumor the size of a softball. Surgery and treatments followed. Despite these struggles, he never stopped playing pickleball.
“It’s a great sport to keep active with and keep in shape and meeting new people. Everybody has been so accommodating to me and trying to help me overcome that.”(Matt Kampmeier)
Adapting on the Court
Since his optic nerves were affected, Matt Kampmeier has had trouble seeing the ball. He and Cindy Howley now stack on one side of the court so he can keep the ball in view.
“To the exact day he was able, we played pickleball, and we had a great group of people that we play with. We adjusted, you know, I was pretty firm about, let’s not slam balls at Matt’s head.”(Cindy Howley)
Though his movement is limited, Matt Kampmeier still competes with energy. Cindy Howley shared that he is slowing down in some ways but never stops giving his best effort.
A New Chapter Ahead
Matt Kampmeier and Cindy Howley are planning to get married this summer. They are ready to keep facing life’s challenges as a team, both on and off the court.
News in Brief: Matt Kampmeier’s Pickleball Cancer Journey
Matt Kampmeier, after brain tumor surgery, keeps playing pickleball with the help of his fiancée Cindy Howley. Despite vision issues, he stays active and competitive. The couple plans to marry soon and continue enjoying the sport and their life together.
ALSO READ: Superday 2025 Pickleball Sparks Cheyenne’s Competitive Spirit—Meet the Unexpected Champions