Xavier Tan was diagnosed after his freshman year in college where he studied Film and Media Studies and played club volleyball. According to his friends and teammates in college, he was widely adored and admired, lit up the place with his presence, made everyone feel comfortable, and gave help to those in need. He really blossomed that year and had everything to live for before DIPG changed it all. During his 22-month battle, Xavier never complained, was always kind, gentle, and easy to care for, always gave us his beautiful smile, and our family fell in love with him all over again. He inspired so many with his courage, strong will to live, and growing faith along the way. We witnessed many miracles during his difficult and unwanted journey, including that through his positive attitude he brought his family and an entire community closer together. He was truly XavierStrong and Heaven certainly gained a most beautiful soul when he left us. Forever 20, and forever in our hearts!

We continue to be inspired by Xavier who taught us so much in his short time with us. We honor his life in part by helping other children and their families currently in the fight, and by raising funds for research to more quickly find effective therapies and cures for DIPG brain cancer.

1 in 330 children in the U.S. will develop cancer by age 20.

On the average, 15,500 children are diagnosed with cancer each year.

Cancer is the #1 killer of children by disease in the United States, yet it remains one of the most underfunded diseases in the world.

The Cure Starts Now focuses on the Homerun Cure™ to all cancers by concentrating our research funding efforts on the deadliest forms of cancer. With over $18 million in pediatric brain cancer research funding to date, you can rest assured that 100% of your donation, after credit card processing, will go directly to innovative research. Please join us in funding crucial research to save our youngest of warriors.