The world has lost twelve beautiful children to Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare and aggressive brain tumor that strikes at the heart of childhood, leaving families and communities shattered in its wake. Mariah, Kirstyn, Martina, Annabelle, Shannon, Santi, Richard, Allie, Nigel, Lucy, Kaylee, and Joey—each of these children represents a life cut tragically short, a future that will never come to fruition, and dreams that will never be realized. Their stories are a painful reminder of the urgency we face in the fight against this devastating illness.
DIPG is a form of cancer that develops in the pons, a critical part of the brainstem responsible for controlling essential functions like breathing, heart rate, and balance. The location of the tumor makes it inoperable, and the aggressive nature of the disease means that treatment options are extremely limited. Despite its heart-wrenching impact on countless families, there remains no cure for DIPG, and for most children diagnosed, the prognosis is grim. The disease is often diagnosed in children between the ages of five and ten, a time when they are just beginning to explore the world, to grow, to dream.
Mariah, Kirstyn, Martina, Annabelle, Shannon, Santi, Richard, Allie, Nigel, Lucy, Kaylee, and Joey were more than just names on a list or statistics in a report. They were beloved daughters, sons, siblings, and friends, each with a personality, a unique spirit, and a bright future ahead of them. They were artists, athletes, dreamers, and adventurers. They filled the lives of their families and communities with light, laughter, and love. From playing soccer to drawing pictures, from singing songs to sharing a kind word, these children brought joy to everyone around them. Their absence leaves an irreplaceable void, and their families are left to cope with a grief no parent should ever endure.
The impact of DIPG on these children’s lives, and the lives of those who loved them, is immeasurable. The disease takes away so much—childhoods, milestones, and the simple pleasures of life. But what remains is a profound legacy of love, a legacy that calls us to action. Every child lost to DIPG is a reminder of the fight that still needs to be fought, the research that is still underfunded, and the awareness that is still lacking.
It is heartbreaking that thousands of children have died, and thousands more will die, because we have yet to find a cure. DIPG is not just a medical crisis; it is a moral one. As a society, we cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the suffering of these children and their families. These children may be too young to advocate for themselves, but we must be their voices. We must ensure that their stories are not forgotten and that their lives continue to inspire change in the fight for a future where no child has to suffer from this devastating disease.
The pain of losing a child is unimaginable, but the love they leave behind is eternal. As the writer 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.” Although Mariah, Kirstyn, Martina, Annabelle, Shannon, Santi, Richard, Allie, Nigel, Lucy, Kaylee, and Joey are no longer with us, their light continues to shine brightly in the hearts of their families and friends. They live on in the memories of their laughter, their smiles, and the joy they brought to the world. Their legacy lives on in the love they gave, in the mark they made on those around them, and in the inspiration they continue to provide.
As we mourn the loss of these twelve beautiful children, we must also celebrate the lives they lived and the impact they had on the world. The love they shared, the creativity they expressed, and the hope they carried will never be forgotten. Their families, their friends, their teachers, and their communities continue to honor their memories in countless ways, and their light will continue to guide us as we fight for a future where no child is taken too soon by DIPG.
But our fight does not end with mourning. We must honor their memories by spreading awareness, funding research, and fighting for a future free from the devastation of DIPG. Every action counts, whether it’s sharing their stories, making a donation to research organizations, or advocating for better funding and treatment options. We can honor their lives by ensuring that other children will not face the same fate. We can fight for better care, better research, and a better future for those yet to be diagnosed.
The fight against DIPG is not just about finding a cure; it’s about giving hope to families who feel like they have none left. It’s about showing the world that these children mattered, that their lives had purpose, and that their legacy can inspire change. Mariah, Kirstyn, Martina, Annabelle, Shannon, Santi, Richard, Allie, Nigel, Lucy, Kaylee, and Joey—they were more than just names, more than just statistics. They were vibrant, creative, and full of potential, and their loss has left a hole in the world. But we can carry their light forward.
Let us share their stories, say their names, and honor their lives by taking action. Let us fight for a future where no child has to suffer from DIPG. Let their light inspire us to make a difference in the lives of those who will come after them. Their legacy can be the catalyst for the change we so desperately need. Together, we can ensure that their light continues to shine, and that future generations of children will have the chance to live, to dream, and to thrive.
As we remember Mariah, Kirstyn, Martina, Annabelle, Shannon, Santi, Richard, Allie, Nigel, Lucy, Kaylee, and Joey, let us not forget the work that remains. Let us continue to advocate for research, support families affected by DIPG, and fight for the lives of children who are currently battling this disease. We owe it to these children to ensure their legacies are not forgotten. We owe it to their families to provide them with hope. And we owe it to the children of the future to keep fighting for a cure. Their light lives on, and it is our responsibility to keep it shining
