The bulbous tumors that have amassed on 46-year-old James O’Neal’s face since birth will soon be removed.

His tumors – the result of a genetic disorder known as neurofibromatosis – had stopped growing around the age of adulthood. It was too late by then to undergo any more of the yearly surgeries that used to be covered by his father’s insurance.

So Bothell resident Katie Knopf, a regular who shops at the Kingsgate Safeway where O’Neal has worked as a checker for nearly eight years, stepped up. Her fundraising efforts that began last year have raised enough money for O’Neal’s first surgery, which he will undergo this Thursday, Nov. 6 at the University of Washington Medical Center.

The Reporter wrote a story about O’Neal in its June 29 issue, “Kingsgate’s ‘Good pirate’: Support pours in for James O’Neal.”

To wish him well, several of O’Neal’s coworkers and Safeway regulars gathered last Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Pizza Bank Restaurant in Kirkland.

“Nobody is more deserving than him,” said Linda Entz, who has worked with O’Neal for nearly five years. “He has been very caring to others – now it’s his turn.”

O’Neal said the community has been “awesome” and has given him “great support.”

“I never thought it would happen so quickly,” said the Woodinville man, who is also a hardcore Seahawks fan. “Every day I get more and more excited as the day gets closer.”

Knopf was first drawn to O’Neal because he was the fastest worker she’d ever seen. Then she started paying more attention and finally decided she wanted to do something for him.

She initiated a fundraising effort that in only the first two weeks raised about $80,000 with the help of Safeway, which pitched in the first $10,000.

“Safeway supports many causes, including breast cancer,” said Jen Shankle, a Kirkland resident who has worked with O’Neal for five years. “But people always say, ‘No. Where’s the James jar?’”

Knopf also set up a blog (friendsofjamesoneal.blogspot.com) for the cause.

She said she feels “elated” knowing that O’Neal will get his surgery this week.

“I’ts unreal,” Knopf said.

Scott Shiflett of Bothell, who works at Safeway, said that next to his wife, O’Neal is his best friend. Shiflett is on the “James Gang,” a group of buddies who golf with O’Neal. Shiflett said his friend always has time for everyone and he’s often wondered if O’Neal “is who he is despite of his condition, or in spite of it,” he said.

What does he think about his friend finally getting his long-awaited surgery?

“He’ll still be him – he’ll just look different,” Shiflett said.

The surgery will take place Thursday morning, when UW surgeon Peter Nelligan will donate his time for the procedure.

He said he has no fears about his surgery.

“It’s awesome. I can’t wait to get it done.”