Michael Mosier Defeat DIPG Foundation is committed to finding a cure for brainstem tumors known as DIPG (diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas). Nearly every day one child in the U.S. is diagnosed with DIPG and another child dies from it. The Foundation seeks to make a difference and Defeat DIPG both by raising awareness of DIPG and by providing funding for research into effective treatments for DIPG. There is nothing more tragic than a child being diagnosed with cancer. Thankfully, medical advances in the past 40 years have greatly improved the survival rates for children diagnosed with most types of cancer, but not kids with DIPG. There is still no effective treatment and no chance of survival. More than 90 percent of children diagnosed with DIPG will die within 2 years of diagnosis, and most children will live only 9 months. To make matters worse, these last few months of the child’s life are excruciatingly difficult as the tumor interferes with essential bodily functions like breathing, swallowing, eye movement, and balance. During the last few months of their lives, most children with DIPG develop double vision and lose the ability to walk, talk, eat and drink. Mark and Jenny Mosier created Defeat DIPG Foundation in honor of their 6-year-old son, Michael William, who bravely battled against DIPG for 8.5 months before passing away on May 17, 2015. When the Mosier family learned of Michael’s diagnosis, the suddenly were forced to face the unimaginable news that their previously healthy, vibrant, energetic little boy would likely have less than a year to live. They are determined to change that outcome for other families. Fortunately, with new medical technology and increased access to tumor tissue, there is finally hope that we can Defeat DIPG. Medical researchers are learning more than ever before about these tumors, with promising new developments that could pave the way for new, effective treatments, and ultimately a cure. Join the fight.