IsabellaIsabella and Marcus lost their lives to a little known brain tumour called Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). This tumour occurs in the brainstem, most frequently in children between the ages of 5 and 9 and offers no prospect of long term survival. Most children die within a year of diagnosis.

Research has improved the prognosis of many children’s cancers but there has been no progress in the treatment of DIPG in the last 30 years. The only treatment available is radiotherapy, which prolongs life by months if the tumour is responsive. Brain tumours are now the leading cause of cancer deaths in children in Australia yet there is no research into brainstem tumours in Australia.

Marcus

Mission

To fund Australian research into paediatric brainstem tumours with a focus on DIPG.

Vision

To establish an Endowed Chair at the University of Melbourne, with an affiliated research laboratory in the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, that will perform research to understand the nature of these tumours, develop novel treatments and to participate in international clinical trials.

 

Isabella’s and Marcus’ families were brought together by their tragedies. They are like-minded in their pursuit to extend the lives of children diagnosed with brainstem tumours and ultimately to find a cure.

photoThe Isabella and Marcus Fund is administered by the Australian Communities Foundation, a not for profit organisation. Donations over $2 are fully tax deductible and 100% goes to the Isabella and Marcus Fund.

 

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