Piper was a sweet, little firecracker who was diagnosed with DIPG, a highly aggressive and inoperable form of brain cancer, at the age of 3. Prior to her diagnosis, Piper was energetic, bright, imaginative, and had personality for miles. Described as a “glitter explosion,” she made every day an occasion for hot-pink hair and an unbreakable smile. She was curious about the world and always ready for an adventure. When she was inside, she was either playing dress-up with her little sister, baking something yummy, or crafting a masterpiece. If she was outside, she was happiest at the playground, the lake, or fishing beside her daddy.

Piper’s earliest symptoms were subtle. She would tire faster and get agitated easier. She began having night terrors, developed a sudden fear of heights, and had trouble chewing her food completely. Then came the mouth secretions, trouble pronouncing words, and issues going to the bathroom. Piper's symptoms progressed very quickly. Even with the sudden onset of symptoms, her parents never imagined brain cancer would be the cause because you can’t fear what you don’t know – and they had never even heard of DIPG nor realized there were terminal pediatric cancers. Helpless doesn’t even begin to describe what they were feeling as the doctor diagnosed Piper with DIPG and told them that there is no cure and to go make memories. They controlled what they could, which included not telling their perfect 3½-year-old that she wasn’t expected to live another year. But life couldn’t return to normal either. As a family, they discussed the “ouchie in her head” to explain the changes and new routine, and they made sure every day Piper had left was spent making her happy and being together as a family. 

From birth, Piper radiated self-confidence. While there were plenty of moments when she struggled to understand why she could no longer walk or use her dominant hand, she seamlessly took on the role of a heroine. As a patient, she did everything asked of her, from port access to pills to radiation. She would just nod this knowing little nod like she understood her parents and doctors were asking her to do difficult things, but she also knew she was exceptional.

Piper’s valiant 16-month battle peacefully ended on October 19, 2018, when she passed away at the age of 4. She is remembered every day for her dignity, her bravery, and her confidence. After her passing, Piper’s parents started the Colorado Chapter of The Cure Starts Now because they believe in the uncompromising mission to educate, collaborate, and right the wrongs of the existing system. It allows them to honor Piper’s legacy and ensure her unfair fight leads to a better future for others.

When your child is diagnosed with DIPG, you get a crash course in the unsavory reality of research funding. You realize there is an irreconcilable dichotomy between what is represented to the public and what actually exists. As well as an unacceptable funding chasm between adult cancers and pediatric cancers. Once you know, you can’t look away, so for Piper’s family, telling their story to illuminate the problem was not optional. They can no longer save their child, but they can fight for the next. If the generations that came before had sounded the alarm and demanded more, maybe then Piper would have lived.

"Collaboration is key to success, and the greater the issue, the greater the need to work as one. The Cure Starts Now has been exceptional at channeling resources and support so our efforts are amplified in the fight to cure pediatric brain cancer. We've made major strides in the last decade to improve outcomes but we must continue to build on that progress. There's no time to waste - children's lives depend on this research. Piper wanted answers and we'll fight to find them for the next child." - The Waneka Family

1 in 285 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 $30 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.