Maya was diagnosed with DIPG at 6 years old in December 2020 and battled 13 months and 5 days. Maya is a fraternal twin and IVF miracle baby! Maya’s parents became concerned when she told her Mommy her hand was shaking, and they noticed her balance was off. When they took her to the Children’s Hospital, the Doctor ordered an MRI revealing a brain mass. A biopsy confirmed she had a brain tumor called DIPG, and they were told it was very aggressive and difficult to treat pediatric brain cancer. Maya was immediately put on steroids and started her 33 sessions of radiation. In February, she participated in the ONC201 trial at NYU traveling monthly for treatment, blood work, physicals, and MRIs. By July, Maya’s symptoms were returning. She lost movement in her legs prompting a wheelchair and enrollment into Hospice care. Within a month, she also lost her ability to speak clearly and arm strength. Maya received one more round of radiation regaining her left arm movement. In October, they participated in the Ribociclib and Everolimus trial with no improvement. One day Maya looked at her Mommy and said, “No more doctors Mumma.” Her mom knew Maya’s journey was coming to an end, and she shortly afterwards fell into a coma. They never left her side. Maya had been diagnosed on the autism spectrum due to sensory issues, but never let autism or cancer define her! She loved playing puzzles, board games and LOL dolls with her fraternal twin sister, Abby. Maya kept her IPAD nearby playing make up design and puzzle apps. Her all time favorite show was SpongeBob, and he was always on in the background even when she wasn’t awake. Her mom's advice for other parents is to be your child’s biggest advocate. Seek others who have battled the same cancer and organizations like The Cure Starts Now to help with questions about different treatments and expectations. Maya's mom wants you to know it’s ok to mention Maya's name. She never wants Maya forgotten and makes sure she is a part of their daily lives.

Did you know that it takes 25,000 miles to walk around the Earth?

We want to turn those miles into donations! 
Every $1 equals 1 mile closer to our goal of funding a pediatric brain cancer research grant, and 100% of your donations go directly to funding pediatric brain cancer research. Cancer doesn't take a break and neither do we. There is still vital research that needs to be funded this year. 

Want to see how we're doing overall? Click here!

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

On 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 for all cancers by concentrating our research funding efforts on one of the deadliest forms of cancer, DIPG. With over $30 million in pediatric brain cancer research funding to date, you can rest assured that 100% of your donation will go directly to innovative research. Please join us in funding crucial research to save our youngest warriors.