The Northeast Ohio Chapter of The Cure Starts Now was formed in May of 2016 and operates in honor of Kasey Mikes. Kasey was diagnosed with DIPG August 21, 2016 at the age of 10 years old. She was feeling dizzy, light headed and after 3 Trips to 3 different Emergency rooms, 1 urgent care visit, and 1 family doctor visit, each one thought it was a sinus infection. After antibiotics, Kasey was not getting better, so we took her to Akron Children's Hospital and within 12 hours received the DIPG diagnosis. Kasey underwent 30 rounds of radiation therapy at Akron General. She took chemotherapy orally, at home while doing the radiation.

Kasey bravely fought DIPG for a year and passed away on August 27, 2017 at 11 years old.  She was a brave, funny, loving little girl.  She loved Art, Cheerleading, swimming, Singing, dancing, and  her family and friends meant the world to her.  A gentle soul who loved to be silly and cuddle, Kasey was a twin sister to Caleigh who is currently 13.  

“No parent should have to hear a doctor tell them, “There’s nothing we can do. She probably has nine months to live.” The only way to stop this from continuing to happen is through funding brain cancer research.” -The Mikes Family

The Cure Starts Now (501c3 Federal Non-Profit) is one of the only cancer foundations dedicated to a “homerun” cure for all cancers, starting first with one of the most deadly and difficult cancers: pediatric brain cancer. Many experts believe that the lessons we learn from fighting pediatric cancer may in fact provide us the critical first step in winning the battle against all forms of cancer, both pediatric and adult.