WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) and Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-14) introduced a bipartisan resolution to support battling the deadly form of pediatric cancer known as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). Every year, nearly 16,000 children across the country are diagnosed with cancer. Of those, approximately 300 are diagnosed with DIPG. Half of those children will live less than a year past their diagnosis. Despite the fact that DIPG is the second most common pediatric brain tumor, research into treatments and cures is sorely lacking.
“Sadly, cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of death for children,” said Dave. “I’m proud to join Congresswoman Speier in introducing this bipartisan resolution to increase awareness of one of the deadliest forms of pediatric cancer and call for increased funding for the research needed to fight it. We must continue to work together on behalf of every child, parent and family affected by this devastating disease until no child has to hear the heartbreaking words ‘you have cancer’ ever again.”
“DIPG is a death sentence for children today, but it doesn’t have to be. By investing in research and raising awareness we have the power to thwart this terminal scourge,” Rep. Speier said. “Our youngest and most vulnerable patients, and their families, deserve our full support. This resolution is an important first step in securing the support, attention, and resources needed to develop better treatment options and find a cure.”
Specifically, the resolution calls for expanded research on possible treatments, encourages entities to factor in the mortality rate and number of life years lost when considering awarding research grants and, if passed, would support designating May 17th as National DIPG Awareness Day.
