Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) is a type of tumor that starts in the brainstem, 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. DIPG is terminal and there is NO CURE. The average (median) overall survival for people with DIPG is less than 1 year - generally ranging from 8-11 months. About 10% of people survive at least 2 years after diagnosis. About 2% of people survive at least 5 years after diagnosis. Approxomately 300 children in the U.S. are diagnosed each year.