What is DIPG?
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma cancer (DIPG) is a type of tumor that starts in the brain stem, the part of the brain that's just above the back of the neck and is connected to the spine. The brainstem controls breathing, heart rate and the nerves and muscles that help us see, hear, walk, talk and eat. These tumors are called gliomas because they grow from glial cells, a type of supportive cell in the brain. About 10% to 20% of all childhood brain tumors are DIPG or brainstem gliomas.
How do donations to St. Jude help DIPG research?
DIPG is an aggressive brain tumor with about 200-300 new cases diagnosed in the United States each year. Most children do not survive more than 2 years after diagnosis. That makes the research we do at St. Jude each day vitally important.
The St. Jude Brain Tumor Program has made great advances in treatments for brain tumor patients and we continue to work toward finding a cure for DIPG cancer. Some of the world’s best neuroscientists, cancer biologists and doctors from the St. Jude Neurobiology and Brain Tumor Divisions combine their efforts to seek cures.
None of these advancements would be possible without the help of our generous donors. When you make a donation to St. Jude, you’re helping us fund cutting-edge research and treatment methods for DIPG and other types of pediatric cancer. Your donation can help us work toward a cure. We won’t stop until no child dies from cancer.
How to support DIPG research
Your donation helps St. Jude provide breakthrough research, treatment and cures for life-threatening pediatric illnesses, such as DIPG. Your donation is tax-deductible and helps us provide children cutting-edge treatments not covered by insurance, at no cost to families.
Here are some ways to contribute to DIPG research and treatment at St. Jude:
- Contribute with a single donation via postal mail or online.
- Pledge ongoing monthly gifts by becoming a St. Jude Partner in Hope.
- Find out if your employer will match your donation and find ways to get your workplace involved.
- Create a lasting legacy when you donate through your will or bequest.
Your support helps kids everywhere
Treatments developed at St. Jude have helped raise the survival rate for children with cancer in the United States, where 4 out of 5 children survive cancer. In many countries, however, 1 out of 5 children who develop cancer will survive. We won’t stop until no child dies from cancer, no matter where they live.
Donate today and help make a difference for children everywhere.