Have You Ever Heard of DIPG?
Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma.
There are 250-300 cases diagnosed each year in the United States.
This is a highly aggressive brainstem glioma with an average life expectancy of 9 months.
The brainstem controls breathing, heart rate and the nerves and muscles used for hearing, seeing,
walking, talking and eating.
Symptoms include the following:
- loss of balance, dizziness - double vision
- difficulty swallowing - vomiting
- weakness on one side of the body - unusual sleepiness and loss of energy
As the child loses their physical abilities their cognitive abilities are spared, meaning they are fully aware of what is happening to them. They are trapped in a body that will no longer work.
The cause is unknown.
Over 97% of children diagnosed with DIPG will die within 3 years.
There have been no new advancements in treatment for well over 30 years.
Brain tumors are the most common cause of cancer death among children.
It has been deemed too “rare” for pharmaceutical companies to find it profitable enough to research.
All childhood cancer research receives only 4% of government funding.
It has been suggested, and many doctors believe, that a cure for DIPG would result in advancements in treatment for all cancer.
If you would like to help us find a cure, please donate now!
