May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month; the leading cause of cancer-related death in children1 remains one of the least-funded areas of cancer research.  It should be generally known that 4% of the National Cancer Institute’s (N.I.H.) yearly budget for cancer research is allocated for all pediatric cancers according to the National Cancer Institute. Because there is so little industry (pharmaceutical) investment, pediatric cancers suffer the most from cuts to the NIH. Public awareness of this fact has the potential to create change in our system.

Jack’s Angels mission is awareness, support and research for DIPG, (diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma) a pediatric brainstem tumor that according to the Lyla Nsoulis Foundation for DIPG Research, is responsible for 80% of pediatric brain tumor deaths annually.

The Oxford Journal of Neuro-Oncology shows there have been no survivors, and no significant progress to this effect in well over 30 years.

Approved in April 2013 as a Public Charity, Jack’s Angels supports the DIPG research fund at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, our regional Children’s research institution. Jack’s Angels is continuing its campaign to help Jack, “Count to a Million!” for pediatric brain tumor research at C.H.L.A. with its 2nd Annual, “Art for Jack, ‘Celebrating Children’s Art’” event on Tuesday, May 20th, 3:30-7:30pm at the High Desert School MPR in Acton. The event features children’s art workshops, family entertainment, art exhibits, auction, raffle, and a special presentation of Center Stage Opera, with early registration available for the new children’s choir (K-6) starting this fall 2014.  For more information about the event and Jack’s Angels, visit www.jacksangels.org .

Jack’s Angels was founded in loving memory of James-William “Jack” Demeter (8/30/08-7/30/12), who was diagnosed with DIPG October 28, 2011 and died roughly 9 months later, the median survival time for children diagnosed with DIPG5. The foundation and its name was inspired by the love and support of the local communities of Acton, Agua Dulce, and Santa Clarita, and the people, who demonstrated with their hearts that our children must come first, not last. The business of government, medicine, and pharmaceutical research puts profit, not children’s lives, first, with respect to cancer research; we believe that this absolutely can and will change.

Read more about Jack here.