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Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-06), David Joyce (OH-14), and Michael McCaul (TX-10), today introduced a resolution honoring May 17 as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) Awareness Day to support expanded research for treatments and care for DIPG. DIPG is the leading cause of childhood death due to brain tumors, and less than one percent of its victims live more than five years after diagnosis. 

“It’s impossible to express the pain and devastation a family faces when their child is diagnosed with cancer. A battle with cancer at any age is hard, but especially for a child who should have a lifetime full of opportunities ahead of them,” said Dingell. “DIPG is responsible for the most pediatric brain tumor deaths each year and consistently has one of the lowest survival rates. We must redouble our efforts to confront childhood cancer with the urgency it requires by supporting efforts that will spread awareness and spur new research endeavors that inspire new treatments and cures. Together, we can show these young children and their families that they are not alone in their fight.” 

“I am proud to join Congresswoman Dingell and Congressman McCaul to introduce this bipartisan resolution to raise awareness for the more than 300 children in America suffering from this heartbreaking disease,” said Congressman Joyce. “DIPG is one of the deadliest forms of pediatric cancer, devastating children, parents, and families. We must work together to find a cure to ensure no child has to face this illness ever again.” 

“DIPG ranks as the leading cause of childhood death due to brain tumors, with a heartbreaking overall survivor rate of less than one percent," said Rep. McCaul. “For the precious young lives diagnosed with this disease, there’s no time to waste. I am grateful for the opportunity to bring further awareness to DIPG as we work toward finding cures for these children.” 

"Our deepest thanks go to Rep Debbie Dingell (MI-6), David Joyce (OH-14) and Michael McCaul (TX-10) for taking a stand for this voiceless population in urgent need of help.  The resolution shines a needed spotlight on DIPG, which has been a childhood death sentence for decades, and brain cancer–the leading cause of cancer-related death in children. Most are unaware of this tragedy, and that investment into cures for children has been painfully inadequate. With this powerful gesture, we have hope for a cure to come more quickly, and more hands on deck!" said Janet Demeter, Founder of DIPG Advocacy Group.

This resolution aims to raise awareness and support efforts by the Carr family, who launched the Chad Tough Foundation in 2015 in honor of five-year-old Chad Carr of Ann Arbor, who lost his battle with DIPG in 2015; Jack's Angels Foundation that was launched in honor of three-year-old Jack Demeter who lost his battle with DIPG in 2012; and every family impacted by DIPG.

View the full text of the resolution here.