Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma is a type of cancer that involves highly aggressive tumors located in the brainstem. It impacts many of the body’s functions such as breathing, eating, and movement. Around 300 children are diagnosed with DIPG in the United States every year. When diagnosed, most are given 9 to 12 months to live. […]
DIPG is a horrific brain tumor that is a death sentence for a child who has barely lived their life. The average survival time after diagnosis is 9 months. These 9 months are crucial for loved ones to make lasting memories with their child. Fundraising and searching for clinical trials or forms of treatment can […]
DIPG is a wretched illness that takes children away from their families too quickly. Unlike many other cancers, chemotherapy and radiation often merely prolong life rather than save it. However, one little girl and her family in New Zealand took a different approach. Elyse Johnson is a sweet, loving little girl who was brought into […]
Valentine’s Day is a day when people celebrate their loved ones and is celebrated annually on February 14th. This holiday falls on a Sunday this year, which means that there is a whole day of celebrating with your kids. Here are some ideas on how to make memories with your children while staying safe during […]
“New Year, New Me!” We hear it everywhere this time of year, but how do you really make the best of the new year? Here are 5 ways to move Full Steam Ahead through 2021! Take Care of Yourself In the hustle and bustle of life we often forget to take care of ourselves mentally […]
Two important organizations that are currently making a difference in the DIPG community are The Marc Jr Foundation and the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation. Both of these organizations have teamed up to provide support for parents who have lost a child to DIPG. This bereavement group gets together over a monthly group call and offers […]
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma is a brain tumor found in a part of the brainstem called the pons. The pons controls vital functions such as breathing, sleeping, swallowing and regulating the heart rate. It is also where many important signals pass from the brain to the rest of the body. DIPG brain tumors are usually […]
In June 2020, Maria Kuenster was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma at the age of 22. She had recently graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelors of Science in Health Science and was looking forward to a job opportunity in Chicago. Unfortunately, her life was turned upside down when she went in […]
Today marks twelve years since the passing of my son Cristian Alexander Rivera. Cristian is remembered for all of the love and joy that he brought to me and everyone he met. I reflect on some of these cherished memories today. Cristian’s legacy continues to live on through the Cristian Rivera Foundation as we work […]
Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas do not have a cure. There are many doctors and researchers working to find the solution to this terrible disease. The tumor is inoperable due to its delicate location in the pons. This area controls vital functions such as breathing and heart rate. The growth pattern of this type of tumor […]
