The Cure Starts Now sends DIPG Warriors boxes full of hand written letters of encouragement as part of their Hearts of Hope campaign.

At The Cure Starts Now Once in a Lifetime Gala in April, as part of a live donation request, attendees were encouraged to write a small note of encouragement on a little gold heart to be sent to Piper Waneka – a young girl from Colorado who was battling DIPG. Seeing the joy that it brought her, we decided to share the love and send boxes to more Warriors.

Thanks to online supporters, our friends at Graeter’s, and various chapter volunteers, we have been able to send boxes to seven deserving Warriors.

LJ Barnes

LJ was diagnosed with DIPG in February of 2018. Since his diagnosis he has been making frequent trips from Alaska to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to receive treatment made possible by research funded by The Cure Starts Now.

Julia Bitto

Julia has been battling DIPG since August of 2017 with the overwhelming support of her community. In fact, earlier this year, her school held a soup night fundraiser for The Cure Starts Now and raised over $5,000.

Camila Chacon

Camila has been battling DIPG since May with the support for her parents, sister, and brother, and continues to bring joy to those around her.

Jonny Milburn

Diagnosed in April, Jonny has been facing his treatments with a smile on his face, and his brother and parents by his side.

Clare Ronnebaum

Diagnosed with DIPG in June, Clare has been facing her battle head on with her parents and her sister by her side. This Giving Tuesday the Ronnebaums raised over $6,000 for pediatric cancer research during our 100 Families Strong campaign.

Yoliann Rodriguez

Diagnosed with DIPG in January, Yoliann treasures time with her family – whether it’s playing with her siblings, cooking with mom, or taking funny selfies with dad.

LJ Tucker

Diagnosed with DIPG in April of 2017, LJ has been bravely fighting with the support of his parents and sister. Our Atlanta Chapter helped collect Hearts for LJ.