May 17th to be Named Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma Day

HARTFORD – State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria announced on Monday that May 17th of each year will be proclaimed Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma Day in honor of Nina Poeta a local Seymour resident.

“I want to thank my fellow lawmakers for supporting this legislation that will raise awareness for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomao and to remember Nina Poeta,” said Rep. Klarides-Ditria. “Sadly there is no cure for this tumor and raising awareness for this type of brain cancer could one day help find a cure.”

According to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomao (DIPG) is a type of tumor that starts in the brain stem, the part of the brain just above the back of the neck and connected to the spine. The brain stem controls breathing, heart rate and the nerves and muscles that help us see, hear, walk, talk and eat. These tumors are called gliomas because they grow from glial cells, a type of supportive cell in the brain.

In addition, about 10% to 20% of all childhood brain tumors are DIPG or brainstem gliomas. They are more common in children between the ages of 5 and 10 years, but can occur at any age in childhood. Though rarer, they can also occur in adults.

The Cure Starts NOW’s Facebook page states, “All childhood cancers combined receive only 4% of research money, but many experts feel that finding a cure for DIPG and other brain cancers could ultimately lead to ‘The Home Run Cure’ a cure for ALL cancers!”

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