DIPG in Numbers

36, 
my age when I was diagnosed with stage 4 DIPG. Uncommon in adults. DIPG is an inoperable tumor grow in the pons of the brainstem that connects to spinal cord, and is responsible for life vital functions such as sensitivity of the face, vision, speech, walking, balance, swallowing, breathing. While intellectual functions keep intact. So we aware when our function deteriorating.

5-7,
DIPG primarily affects in children, with most diagnoses occurring in 5-7 years of age.

15,
DIPG accounts 15% in pediatric brain tumor.

300,
300 DIPG diagnoses each year in Europe and North America

9, 
9 months. Like pregnancy time, it also the life expectancy of a patient with DIPG.

10,
Fewer than 10% children with DIPG survive 2 years after diagnosis.

40,
40 years ago until today, there’s no significant breakthrough, both in treatment and survival.

5-8,
5-8 months post radiotherapy, the tumor will again progressing rapidly. Initial radiotherapy often only improves clinical symptom temporarily.

0,
0 survivors in the DIPG. It remains incurable.

1-4,
the median time from tumor progression to death is usually very short, between 1 and 4.5 months.

50,
50 children with DIPG gained their angel wings each year by country.

24,
24 children with DIPG gained their angel wings in October 2017 according to a FB page DIPG support and awareness.

1,
My doctor only have 1 patient with DIPG, and that’s me.

Notes: these numbers are from reports based on limited statistics, and surely not apply to every DIPG warriors. Hope for miracles.