Latest news with #IntrinsicPontineGlioma
The Irish Sun
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Heartbreaking tributes paid to ‘courageous' young girl, 5, who died from rare illness after ‘brave battle'
'FOREVER FIVE' Heartbreaking tributes paid to 'courageous' young girl, 5, who died from rare illness after 'brave battle' HEARTBREAKING tributes are being paid to a "courageous" young girl after she died from a rare illness. Katie O'Keeffe, from Tipperary, "fell asleep peacefully" at home on Wednesday. The brave five-year-old had been diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma last year. The symptoms of the rare type of brain tumour include weakness in the arms and legs, coordination problems and problems controlling eye movements, speech and swallowing. Katie was a very active child and loved ballet and soccer before she became unwell. She will be "missed and loved always" by her heartbroken family. Her death notice reads: "In loving memory of our beautiful and kind Katie who fell asleep peacefully at home on August 6th. 2025 after her brave battle fought with such resilience and courage. Forever Five. "She will be missed and loved always by her parents Siobhàn and Kevin, her little sister Ròisìn, her grandparents Gerard and Josephine Fahey, Kevin and Esther O'Keeffe and all her aunts, uncles, cousins and her wide circle of friends." The little girl's funeral will take place this Sunday. The notice added: "Mass of the Angels will take place on Sunday August 10th. In St. Peter's Church, Moycarkey at 12 noon. "Katie will be laid to rest afterwards in Aglish Cemetery with family and close friends. "Donations if desired to Oscar's Kids and Laura Lynn." Oscar's Kids took to social media to pay tribute to "courageous" Katie yesterday. They wrote on Facebook: "Beautiful, courageous Katie passed away peacefully yesterday evening. "This exceptional five-year-old stayed so strong and positive through her journey with DIPG, lifted up by the love and devotion of her mam and dad, Siobhan and Kevin, little sister Róisín, as well as her wider family, friends and the local community in Tipperary. WHAT IS DIPG? DIFFUSE Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) is a fast growing and aggressive brain tumour. The tumour starts in a part of the brain stem called the pons. The brain stem is above the back of the neck and connected to the spinal cord. The pons where the tumour is located controls functions such as breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. It also controls the nerves and muscles used for seeing, hearing, walking, talking, and eating. DIPG mainly affects children between the ages of five and 10 but can appear in younger children and teenagers. This type of tumour is rare in adults. Due to the location, rapid growth and aggressiveness of this tumour most patients do not live past two years. "It was a privilege to make some small impact in such an exceptional girl's life and the world was made better by her wonderful light in it. "We hope you will hold this incredible little girl and her family in your hearts today. Forever a member of Oscar's Kids and @dubfirebrigade Oscar District" Childhood Cancer Ireland added: "We sadly share this candle today for a beautiful, brave little girl who gained her wings yesterday. Katie. "We are thinking of her heartbroken parents, sister, grandparents and all of her loving family, friends and wider community. "We hope that Katie's family will be surrounded by love and support as they prepare to say goodbye to their shining light, and in the difficult weeks and months to come. "Another beautiful life taken far too soon. Fly high Katie." A GoFundMe page had been set up last year to help Katie and her family. Describing the ordeal for the child's parents, GoFundMe organiser Aine Fahey said: "Her parents were brought into a room and were told to go home and make memories as a family." "Prognosis was less than a year and radiation the only treatment in Ireland may improve symptoms in some patients."
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Brain Cancer Canada Awards $68,000 Research Grant for Clinical Trial of Anti-Cancer Vaccine Targeting DIPG, the Most Aggressive Pediatric Brain Cancer
TORONTO, May 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, on DIPG Awareness Day, Brain Cancer Canada is pleased to award $68,000 for an innovative research initiative led by Dr. Aru Narendran, MD, PhD, and Dr. Patrick Sipila, PhD, at The University of Calgary and Alberta Children's Hospital. The project, "Biological Correlative Studies to Improve Current Outcomes of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) and High-Risk Brain Tumours with a Neoantigen-Based Anti-Cancer Vaccine in Clinical Trial," focuses on advancing a novel immunotherapy approach for some of the most aggressive childhood brain cancers. DIPG is a devastating pediatric brain tumour, with fewer than 10% of children surviving two years post-diagnosis. As DIPG progresses, it severely impacts essential brain functions, making it increasingly difficult for children to see, walk, and even breathe. Current treatment options, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy, offer only temporary or limited benefit, and survival rates have remained largely unchanged for decades, despite broader advances in cancer research. In response to this urgent need, Dr. Narendran and Dr. Sipila's team are investigating a new anti-cancer vaccine designed to train a patient's immune system to recognize and eliminate tumour cells. Their research aims to validate the safety, activity, and potential clinical applications of this neoantigen-based immunotherapy. By providing critical biological insights into the vaccine's effectiveness, the project seeks to accelerate the development of promising new treatment options for children affected by DIPG and other high-risk brain tumours. Dr. Narendran explains, 'Every advancement in DIPG research brings renewed hope for the entire brain cancer community. By discovering new and effective treatments, we aim to prove that even the toughest human challenges can be overcome through compassion, collaboration, and innovation. The progress we make today paves the way for tomorrow's cures, where no child's future is cut short by a brain cancer.' This groundbreaking work represents an important step toward improving survival outcomes and offering renewed hope to families impacted by these devastating diagnoses. Brain Cancer Canada acknowledges the tremendous contributions of grassroots fundraisers including Trinity's Army, the $9 Challenge, and Dr. Surya's 8th Charity Raffle that have made this award possible. Immensely grateful for the support, Dr. Narendran explains the critical need for funding, 'Philanthropic organizations such as the Brain Cancer Canada give true hope for children fighting brain cancer, granting the crucial support needed to advance translational research and the preparation of innovative treatment protocols for the future. By funding collaborative efforts and high-risk, high-reward projects, your giving ensures that scientists and physicians continue to work to discover safer, more effective novel treatments for our patients.' In recognition of DIPG Day, Brain Cancer Canada is proud to have The Peace Bridge connecting Canada and the U.S., Cabot Tower on Signal Hill in St. John's, NL, and the CN Tower Toronto, ON, illuminated in yellow. The lighting serves as a powerful symbol of awareness and solidarity in the fight against DIPG. This announcement is part of a series of six grants announced during Brain Cancer Awareness Month. Brain Cancer Canada remains committed to driving forward innovative solutions and pursuing hope for those affected by brain cancer by investing in critically needed research. About Brain Cancer CanadaBrain Cancer Canada is a national charity dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by primary malignant brain tumours by funding research, advocating for effective treatment options, and investing in neurosurgical technologies. Since 2015, Brain Cancer Canada has directed more than 2.4 million dollars to brain cancer research, to 25 projects at nine institutions, research centres, and hospitals across Canada. More Information For more detail about this and other research initiatives supported by Brain Cancer Canada, please visit Media Contact:angela@
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Fundraiser held for young girl who battled cancer in Perry County
LANDISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — A fundraising benefit was held in Perry County Saturday for a young girl who battled cancer. In January of last year, Tabitha 'Tabby' Welshan was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma – an inoperable cancerous brain tumor entwined in her brainstem. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'Team Tabby' was created in an effort to help raise money for her medical treatments through different fundraisers. At Saturday's fundraiser, people could buy food and pay $10 to get their car washed. 'Everything as far as the car wash goes, 100% of it is going to Tabby's family,' said Todd Smith. 'Mark Little over there with Littles Chateau is donating a portion and then obviously any tips made are going to the family to help them with any expenses that they need help with.' Tabby did unfortunately pass away this past Monday. If you are interested in attending an upcoming fundraiser or donating to help the family during this time you can visit the TeamTabby Facebook page. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
