The world has lost twelve more beautiful children to Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare and aggressive brain tumor that strikes at the heart of childhood. Mariah, Kirstyn, Martina, Annabelle, Shannon, Santi, Richard, Allie, Nigel, Lucy, Kaylee, and Joey—each name represents a life cut tragically short, a family forever shattered, and a future filled with dreams that will never be realized. DIPG develops in the pons, a critical part of the brainstem that controls essential functions like breathing, heart rate, and balance. Despite its devastating impact, there is still no cure, leaving families helpless as they watch their children fight a battle no child should ever face.
These children were more than statistics. They were daughters, sons, siblings, and friends. They were artists, athletes, dreamers, and adventurers. They brought light and joy to the lives of those around them, and their absence leaves a void that can never be filled. Their stories are a heartbreaking reminder of the urgent need for research, awareness, and action. Thousands of children have died, and thousands more are dying, because we have yet to find a cure. This is not just a medical crisis; it is a moral one. We must be the voices for these children, who are too young to advocate for themselves. We must ensure their lives are not forgotten and their stories continue to inspire change.
The pain of losing a child is unimaginable, but the love they leave behind endures. As Omai once said, “People you love never die. Not completely. They live in your mind, the way they always lived inside you. You keep their light alive.” These children may no longer be with us, but their light continues to shine in the hearts of those who loved them. They guide us, like the glow of long-extinguished stars, reminding us of the beauty they brought into the world and the work that still needs to be done.
We must honor their memory by spreading awareness, funding research, and fighting for a future where no child has to suffer from DIPG. Don’t help because it’s your child; help because it’s a child. Share their stories, say their names, and let their light inspire you to take action. Mariah, Kirstyn, Martina, Annabelle, Shannon, Santi, Richard, Allie, Nigel, Lucy, Kaylee, and Joey—their lives mattered, and their legacy can be a catalyst for change. Together, we can ensure their light continues to guide us toward a world free from the devastation of DIPG.