Diffused Intrinsic Pontine Glioma

• DIPG is a brain stem tumor/ Glioma
• Forming on the lower brain stem and in the pons.
• The location of the tumor makes it inoperable as it is quite dangerous to operate and very unlikely to get all of the tumor.
• The brain stem controls our body’s heat regulation, swallowing, eyesight and movement, balance and breathing to name a few.

WHO GETS DIPG?

• Mainly it affects children between the ages of 4-11 but can affect all ages as Garrett was a testament to that. He was diagnosed at 21 and passed before his 22nd year.
• DIPG affects roughly 400 people a year in the nation. It is considered a rare cancer but I disagree

IT IS NOT RARE – NOT FAIR!

• Boys and girls get it equally
• It is not passed down through genetics
• There is no way to prevent getting it
• Brain cancers / DIPG is considered to be the most deadly pediatric cancer by the CDC

SYMPTOMS OF DIPG

• headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Balance issues or trouble walking
• Numbness and/ or weakness in the extremities
• Drooping in one side of the face or eyelids
• Double vision or trouble seeing
• Personality or memory changes
• Seizures