Our whole world was flipped upside down on 1.14.2025 when, at the tender age of only 14, our son Maxton was diagnosed with DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) along with a mutation called H3K27M. It’s a tumor that develops in the brain stem, typically in young children. The brain stem, specifically the pons, is what controls all of our motor functions, as well as life functions such as swallowing and breathing. It is considered a rare pediatric cancer. 

Because DIPG is 100% terminal, treatments are given just to slow the progression and temporarily relieve symptoms. Surgery is impossible because of the location and the nature of the disease. 

Maxton completed 6 weeks of brain radiation therapy, which was given to temporarily shrink or stall the tumor to slow the growth. Next, his only hope was a clinical trial. He is currently enrolled in a trial in Minneapolis, Minnesota where we travel back and forth for treatment. It is a research study using a vaccine made from inactivated (dead) donor brain tumor cells, as a way to stimulate a person’s own immune system to kill cancer cells. The vaccine is called GBM6-AD. Maxton is their 3rd patient ever on this trial and their first from out of state to have to travel back and forth for treatments.

Maxton is fighting. Hard. He’s in pain, every single day.

He loves school so much, even graduating the 8th grade with High Honors, in spite of all he has been through. His focus on academics is extraordinary.

He just started his freshman year of High School. After only the first day back, he said he thinks this is going to be his best year yet! Unfortunately, over the last few days he’s regressing. Even needing to leave school early. He is having bad headaches, double vision, balance issues, hearing loss, ear pain, tingling throughout his body, numbness, weakness and extreme fatigue. Yet, in front of others he smiles and says, 'I'm fine.' Never wanting to worry anyone. 

He so desperately just wants to feel 'normal' again and never complains. 

In addition to the trial, he is on so many medications, infusions every other week and dealing with a massive amount of weight gain due to the steroids, which he cannot come off of because they help to reduce the swelling on his brain. 

This road is hard. It is unlike anything we would have ever imagined. Yet, it is a road Maxton travels with such strength, courage and determination. He is an inspiration to so many as he continues the fight of his life. He lets nothing trouble him, nothing frighten him and continues to be thankful for all of the surrounding love and support. 

We won’t ever stop fighting for our perfect son!🎗️ - Maxton's mom, Nicole 

Thank you for choosing to donate to The Cure Starts Now Foundation. 100% of this donation, after credit card processing fees, goes directly towards research to find the homerun cure for cancer starting with pediatric brain cancer research.

If you would like to make a donation by mail please send a check to:  The Cure Starts Now Foundation; 10280 Chester Road; Cincinnati, OH 45215 and put the child's name in the memo.

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