Bennys Battalion

all together as one family

fighting DIPG with you

Bennys memory will forever be cherished by his family and friends. Benny had DIPG (diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma) in other words, cancer of the brain stem. As one, we are looking to help others through hard times and try to make their lives a little easier.


What is DIPG?


DIPG, or diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, is a type of brain tumor found in an area of the brainstem known as the pons. The name diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma describes how the tumor grows, where it is found, and what kinds of cells give rise to the tumor.


Who is Affected by DIPG?


DIPG primarily affects children, with most diagnoses occurring between 5 and 7 years of age. It makes up 10-15% of all brain tumors in children, with about 150-300 new diagnoses per year in the United States. Unfortunately, fewer than 10% of children survive two years from diagnosis.


Clinical signs of DIPG


Sometimes parents notice:


    odd eye movements

    slurred speech

    difficulty swallowing

    trouble maintaining balance

    or drooping of one part of their child’s face


Pontine tumors can press on and interfere with the function of these nerves, leading to weakness in an arm and/or a leg.


Tumors in the brainstem can also cause increased pressure within the skull. Increased pressure can cause patients to complain of persistent headaches and in some patients can lead to nausea and vomiting.


To read more and find out about DIPG please visit www.dipg.org

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