Yellow circle featuring the inspirational phrase “Be fearless like Nora” to encourage strength and hope.

DIPG: A relentless challenge for young lives.

What is DIPG/DMG?

DIPG is an acronym that stands for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma. DMG is an acronym meaning Diffuse Midline Glioma.

DIFFUSE means the tumor spreads out within the brainstem and/or spinal cord mixing with healthy cells, making it hard to remove and frequently inoperable.

GLIOMA is a type of tumor that occurs in the brain and/or spinal cord.

DIPG/DMG is a rare, fast-growing and difficult-to-treat brain and/or spinal cord tumor that typically occurs in children under the age of 12. Survivability is, on average, 9-12 months.

What is the difference between DIPG & DMG?

DIPG is a specific type of DMG located in the pons of the brainstem. DMG is the broader, more current term based on pathology for this type of aggressive pediatric glioma that occurs in the midline of the brain which includes the pons, thalamus, and spinal cord. Therefore, not all DMGs are DIPGs, but all DIPGs are a form of DMG.

DIPG FACTS:

By disease, cancer is the leading cause of death in children. DIPG is responsible for nearly half of all pediatric cancer-related deaths.
90% of children diagnosed with DIPG will not make it more than two years.
Treatment for DIPG is significantly under-researched and underfunded. The standard of care is 30-rounds of radiation and this is palliative.
The FDA approved the FIRST EVER drug to fight DIPG/DMG in August 2025. It is called Modeyso (formerly known as ONC201). While not a cure, there is hope this drug will open pathways for researchers to develop combination therapies.

Why is your donation important?

Lack of treatments

DIPG is a highly aggressive and often fatal brain tumor in children, with limited treatment options and poor survival rates. Donations help fund vital research aimed at developing new therapies to improve outcomes and give families hope.
Raising awareness

Because DIPG is rare and not widely understood, many people are unaware of its severity and impact on families. Donations help raise awareness, drive public engagement, and increase funding for research and support initiatives.
Support for families

Families facing DIPG often endure emotional and financial challenges due to intensive care needs and lost income. Donations help provide essential resources, counseling, and services to support them through this difficult journey.
Fueling research

Every donation supports research that could lead to groundbreaking discoveries in treating DIPG. These advances may also benefit other forms of cancer and neurological diseases, bringing hope to countless families.
Childhood cancer advocacy

Children diagnosed with DIPG face one of the most devastating forms of cancer, with limited treatment options and extremely low survival rates. Supporting research not only brings hope but also advances progress in the broader fight against all forms of childhood cancer.

Join the fight against DIPG:

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Donate today to support pediatric brain cancer research and the families fighting against this heartbreaking disease.

DONATE
SPRINKLE JOY

Purchase Unicorn Sparkle, a locally-made mix by McCarthy Spice & Blends, filled with love and a touch of magic.

PURCHASE
INSPIRE HOPE

Share Nora’s story by ordering Sparkle of Love, a heartfelt book inspired by her journey, available now on Amazon.

ORDER