BySonji

What Is DIPG? Will You Dance 4 DIPG?

Reading Time: 3 minutes
Maiyanna and Mycah

What is DIPG? DIPG “Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma,” is a rare, inoperable, dangerous and extremely aggressive cancerous tumor in the brain stem. Brain stem glioma start in the brain or spinal cord tissue and typically spread throughout the nervous system. Life expectancy is typically a few months after diagnosis. In May 2013, at the age of 3, Maiyanna “Maiy” was diagnosed with DIPG and sent home with a terminal diagnosis. Maiy received treatment and the Maiy’s Miracle Foundation was started to ensure Maiyanna had the best possible quality of life for the rest of her time. In April 2014, Maiy fell asleep and did not wake up. Her tumor was donated for research. A memorial celebration ensued and per Maiy’s request Maiy’s Miracle continues.

I met Mycah Clemons in 2017 at the Steppin’ In Red, White and Blue Affair in Monroeville, PA. I met a kind, giver.  I don’t meet many people that can say they have accomplished and won great challenges in early years of life. After our candid conversation about Maiy’s Miracle, I know Mycah is a young woman doing everything positive from a negative experience. Maiy’s Miracle continues today as a non-profit 100% volunteer organization interested in raising DIPG awareness, supporting DIPG families through education, research and DIPG brain tumor donation.

Already winning and why is this so important? Maiy’s Miracle has supported two students with their continued education in the medical field. The first Maiyanna Marie Antoinette Clemons-McCarthy DIPG Research Student Scholarship recipient, Evan Arnold, developed a plan for DIPG research during his summer program at the Monje Lab made possible by our scholarship efforts. His research is currently being published in renowned medical journals and progress is being made to bring his work to clinical trial. Honorably, Stanford School of Medicine will recognize Maiy’s Miracle as a contributing factor to the progression of this research. “It has been suggested that a cure for DIPG might result in a cure for almost every other type of cancer (Brain Tumor Facts, Smiles For Sophie Forever).

How can steppers support Maiy’s Miracle? In 2018, Maiy’s Miracle goal is to raise $3,000 to support the Maiyanna Marie Antoinette Clemons-McCarthy DIPG Research Scholarship. Funds are raised through grass roots efforts including event ticket sales, merchandise, private and corporate donations. The next steppers’ dance event “Dance 4 DIPG” (Homestead) will be May 19 in Pittsburgh, PA. Steppers let’s show up and show out in support or give a donation. Steppin’ instructors at this event are Victor James and Ohio’s own Lolita Hite.

How are the funds raised used? 100% of the funds raised are used to support DIPG research at the Michele Monje Lab, Stanford University School of Medicine where Maiyanna’s DIPG tumor was donated in 2014. Since then Maiy’s Miracle has donated over $16,000 to research through events such as the Dance 4 DIPG and hope to reach $20,000 in 2018. Maiy’s Miracle primary need is funding. There is a severe lack of funding supporting DIPG research specifically to the Monje Lab where in Mycah’s opinion, the best research for DIPG worldwide is happening.

How can steppers help? Get involved and please donate.

  • Support events through Maiy’s Miracle
  • Volunteer or donate to the production would be extremely helpful. Donations are 100% tax exempt
  • Initiate raising funds separately through events or donations would contribute to the success of our efforts to find an effective treatment for DIPG.
I hope to see you on a dance floor supporting this cause soon. If anyone has a special interest in supporting the organizational growth of Maiy’s Miracle we welcome the opportunity.  Please contact Mycah Clemons at:

Additional information. Read Maiyanna’s full story. For DIPG clinical trial inquiries visit Stanford Medicine Cancer Institute.