Our Story

Kyler was born in 2011 during a thunderstorm. He always enjoyed when I told him that story. I told him he was my little storm.

Fast forward to 2019 when our world changed in an instance. Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, DIPG, changed our world with just these four letters, like a a different kind of storm.

DIPG, also known as DMG, is a rare, aggressive type of brain cancer that forms in the pons - a part of the brainstem that controls vital body functions, such as eye movement, breathing, and balance.

Kyler was 8-years old when his symptoms started. It started with headaches, a full week's worth before he told anyone. Kyler was always the strongest kid I met.

The headaches never subsided. A little over a week later, Kyler went to see the pediatrician. It was at this visit that the doctor asked if his face has always looked like that, not symmetrical. As Mom, I didn't think much of it other than growing and changing. She did a quick neurological test and then said to keep an eye on him. It was this that kept my "Mom radar" alert.