Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) are the most common brainstem tumors in children, representing approximately 75-80% of all pediatric brainstem tumors and treatment options have not changed in the 50 years since DIPG was first diagnosed. Brain cancer is the deadliest form of childhood cancer and DIPG currently has a survival rate of less than 2%. Less than 4% percent of federal funding for cancer research goes toward solving pediatric cancers. And, pediatric brain cancers receive just a sliver of these limited funds because they’re considered “rare” by medical statistics. That is not ok and That is where we come in…with your help.

Your donation goes directly to the TaterTough Foundation’s work with Tough2together to fund research, increase trial access for patients, continued advocacy for funding and awareness, and support for the emotional and financial needs of families facing DIPG.

To date we have: (i) been a founding sponsor of My DIPG Navigator and continue to fund it as a navigation partner; (ii) been a founding sponsor of the DIPG DMG Research Funding Alliance (“DDRFA”) along with 60+ foundations and continue to participate in DDRFA’s grant funding rounds; (iii) continue to support the DIPG DMG National Brain Tumor Board. 

Locally, we continue to support the work of local Dance Marathon groups that raise funds to The University of Iowa Dance Marathon which is a student organization that provides year-round support to youth cancer patients and their families. We also provided direct support to local families impacted by pediatric cancer through funding and emotional support.