Childhood Cancer Talk Radio interviews Jesse Shumaker, founder of The Cure Starts Now Nebraska Chapter upon the loss of his 8 year old daughter Madelyn, who was afflicted with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). The Cure Starts Now is non-profit charitable organization dedicated to funding DIPG research, raising well over $6 million in groundbreaking research for the deadliest pediatric brain tumor; most if not all of it’s chapters have begun in this way, the loss of a precious child to DIPG.
Jesse’s story is made richer with the activism of his brother Morgan, bike rider and activist, who is currently engaged in a cross-country ride to raise funds for The Cure Starts Now, and to raise awareness for the urgent need for DIPG research. The fundraising goal for “Ride for DIPG” is $16,000, but current donations show promise of surpassing that, having reached over $9,000 thus far. Morgan’s riding story is a triumph and heartache in and of itself; his original ride had been cancelled in 2015 when Madelyn was diagnosed with DIPG. She had hoped to follow his rescheduled ride, but succumbed to the disease which claims most lives within a year of diagnosis. “Team Maddie”, Morgan Shumaker, Joe Shaw, Aaron Polak, and Mark Wilder, have set out to ride across the United States in her honor to contribute to the research for the “homerun cure” for cancer, hallmark statement of The Cure Starts Now. Follow the “Ride for DIPG” at www.ridefordipg.org, and on Facebook at /ridefordipg.
