Jack’s Angels Foundation, a local charitable organization devoted to advocacy and research for DIPG, is celebrating the National DIPG Awareness Resolution introduced by Congressman Steve Knight, R-CA-25, in January in the US House of Representatives, H.Res.69.

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma is the second most common pediatric brain tumor and is notoriously the deadliest. The Resolution designates May 17 as National DIPG Awareness Day, and asks that children and mortality rates be of greater consideration for funding in our medical research system. Concurrently, CA State Assemblyman Dante Acosta and CA Senator Scott Wilk are helping Jack’s Angels with a CA State Proclamation for DIPG, part of a national movement to designating May 17 in a proclamation for each state. DIPG has seen no progress in standard treatment protocol nor its terminal prognosis in over 50 years.

Jack’s Angels 2017 Relay for Research includes “Run the Rocks!” on April 30th, 2017 at Vasquez Rocks County Park, featuring 5k and 10k trail races, a kids 1k, and a 20k “Relay for Jack.” The event proceeds support DIPG research, and supports the soon-to-follow National DIPG Awareness Day. Information and registration can be found at www.runtherocks.info. The companion virtual “Relay for Jack” is an option for those unable to attend the April 30th event, or for anyone wanting to support DIPG awareness and research from anywhere around the world. Virtual event registration is at www.curedipg.info, and participation is encouraged on the 17th of each month (action days for www.HRes69.org ) preceding the event, and between May 1 and May 17th.

Janet Demeter, who was inspired by her son Jack (8/30-08 – 7/30/12) to found Jack’s Angels, emphasizes, “Awareness is so important; these families are expected to accept certain death for their children because their lives have little value to the medical research system in place. DIPG is a powerful example of the neglect of pediatric cancer research, even by our own government. These kids and their families deserve acknowledgement, and hope for change.” To learn more about the National DIPG Awareness Resolution (H.Res.69) and Jack’s Angels 2017 Relay for Research, visit www.jacksangels.org.