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18 for 18

18 for 18

Honoring Michael Mosier’s 18th Birthday

On August 27, Michael would have celebrated his 18th birthday.

While Michael’s life was far too short, his legacy continues to change the future for children and families facing DIPG through:

More breakthroughs.
More families supported.
More reasons for hope.

How You Can Help

To commemorate this special milestone, we’re launching our 18 for 18 Campaign. In honor of Michael’s 18th birthday, we’re inviting you to make a monthly or one-time gift of $18, $180, or $1,800 (or any amount meaningful to you), or simply share a birthday tribute in Michael’s honor. Every way you participate helps continue the legacy Michael inspires.

Make a one-time donation or monthly gift Make a multi-year pledge

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Because of Friends Like You

ChadTough Defeat DIPG has invested more than $48 million in research around the world while providing one-on-one nurse navigation to nearly 700 families facing DIPG/DMG. Every breakthrough, every family served, and every step forward is possible because people like you continue to believe that together, we can Defeat DIPG. As we honor Michael’s 18th birthday, thank you for helping ensure his legacy continues to create hope for every child and family facing DIPG. Join the 18 for 18 Campaign today.

“Thank you for celebrating Michael’s life by investing in hope for the next generation of children facing DIPG. Future families will have a fighting chance because of supporters like you.” – Jenny and Mark Mosier

Tribute Wall

Michael – I never got the chance to meet you in person, but boy have you affected my life! I have loved learning all about you – about how smart you were, your love for baseball, how much you adored your sister, and how much you loved to laugh! I wish more than anything that your family never came to learn about DIPG – that you were here getting ready to start you Senior year. I want you to know that your life, your story, has caused a lot of change to happen. It has created HOPE. Jenny & Mark – Sending big hugs your way. And appreciation for trusting me with Michael’s legacy. #DefeatDIPG.

— Ann

While we aren’t lucky enough to have known Michael, it is plain to see the impact of his vibrant spirit on the many people who loved him and continue to love him. That a part of his legacy is to help others and, ultimately, to treat and cure this disease, is a gift. We are grateful to celebrate Michael’s 18th birthday with you and to hold him and all of his family in our hearts.

— The Bawdens

Dear Michael, the greatest gift in my life was the short time I was given with you. Growing up with you taught me what it means to be a fantastic older sibling, a kind and loving person, and an outstanding friend. I think about you every day, the greatest loss of my life was having to continue growing up without my best friend and role model. Your impact on my life and everyone’s lives has been nothing short of astounding. You mean everything to me and I wish every day you were here to celebrate your 18th birthday. I love you forever and always. I promise to carry you with me every day. Happy 18!

— Rhian O’Connor

Michael, I never had the chance to meet you, but through your mom, I’ve come to know pieces of who you were — a boy who loved baseball, fought harder than anyone should have to, and never once complained through it. You should be turning eighteen surrounded by friends and cake, not remembered through a stranger’s tribute — but I’m honored to be one more voice saying your name. I hope you know how far your story has traveled, and how many people you’ve never met still carry your name forward. Happy birthday, Michael.

— Michelle and Joseph Levy

Michael William Mosier was the little boy who first made us grandparents. He named us Poppa Jack and Grandma Lynn. He was personable, funny, kind, and outgoing. When he saw a stranger, he would introduce himself, “Hi! I’m MIchael!” Favorite color – yellow. Favorite meal – Shroom Burger, fries and a milkshake. Favorite places – Disneyworld, Kansas City at xmas, and Rehoboth Beach. He was incredibly intelligent and intuitive. He was devoted to Jenny, Lila and his best friend, Mark. Losing MIchael was devastating. His last wish was to find a cure so others need not suffer. Please help!

— Lynn and Jack Silverman

Dear Michael,

Happy 18th birthday! Although we never got the chance to meet, I hope you know that you have created more change in the world than most people can do in an entire lifetime. I wish this wasn’t your family’s story, but because of you a lot of children with DIPG are getting more answers and more time at life—something I wish so deeply that you had. I know how much you loved your family and sports (especially baseball!)! I hope you know that we are all fighting for a cure to this horrible disease. Happy 18th, sweet Michael!

— Leela Hamp

Mosier Family,

Together you have pushed DIPG research to the frontier and positively impacted so many people without hope. Your unselfishness to commit to a life of service after losing Michael will be your legacy and there is no better one. I am lucky to have had the chance to work with you on this journey.

— Eddie Magnus

Thinking of Michael and the entire Mosier family on his 18th birthday. Michael’s life and your family have had such an incredible impact on so many families facing this disease, and have inspired so much of the work we do. Sending lots of love to all of you on this milestone day.

— Lesley

Celebrating Michael on his 18th birthday and sending lots of love to the Mosier family. While we didn’t have the honor of knowing Michael directly, we have come to know him through the lasting impact he has had on his family, his friends, our community. Jenny, Mark, and Lila, we are holding you in our hearts always, and standing alongside you to #DefeatDIPG.

— Lackritz Pita Family

What an honor it has been to stand with the Mosiers in this fight to Defeat DIPG. Though we never had the opportunity to meet sweet Michael, we have truly been inspired by his legacy and the impact he has made on so many thousands of families cannot be overstated. We dream of a time when the suffering that DIPG inflicts on both children and families is a thing of the past. His infectious smile and joyful laugh were unmatched and so many children will celebrate countless birthdays because of his impact.

— The Elliott Family

We are thinking of Michael and the entire Mosier / Silverman family on his 18th birthday. Michael’s memory is truly a blessing, and what you all have created and continue to invest and grow in his memory is inspiring. We have no doubt that because of you and the families you have touched, DIPG will be defeated.

— The Fagans

Dear Michael, 
I never got to meet you in person, but I first learned about you and your BIG HERO energy through our shared love of the color yellow. I will be forever grateful that our favorite color brought me to your family and I am so honored to be part of the fight against the horrible disease that took you and so many others far too soon. Your bright light shines on us all! 

— Margery

Sweet Michael, you really are a Superhero! Your story is changing the world for so many boys and girls and their families! You inspire me to work so hard everyday to make sure that one day we can find a cure for DIPG. I love hearing stories about you and how much you loved baseball and chocolate chip cookies from your mom, dad, and Lila. You have a made a huge difference in the fight against DIPG and your family has done a phenomenal job keeping your memory alive! Happy 18th Michael- the world loves you!

— Anne W

I will never forget meeting Michael on the day he was born, and having the privilege of seeing him become such a vibrant and fun and funny little person, and ultimately having the honor to see his bravery through to the end. Jenny and Mark, his light shined on my life and it made a mark. I would have loved to know the young man today, but I am so grateful that I know the boy.

— Jennifer Saulino

We are honored to celebrate Michael and what would have been his 18th birthday. Although we never had the chance to meet Michael, we feel like we know him through the stories his family has shared with us—his curiosity and intelligence, his love of baseball, his favorite color yellow, and the special bond he shared with his little sister, Lila. Chad and Michael’s journeys with DIPG connected our families forever, and we are grateful to stand alongside the Mosier family to honor Michael’s life and continue the fight for a future without DIPG. Happy 18th Birthday, Michael!

— The Carr Family

Michael, I never had the chance to meet you, but through your family, I’ve heard about your laugh, your curiosity, and how much love you carried for the people around you. Thinking of you and your family as this milestone of your 18th birthday arrives, and of all other milestones, and ordinary moments alike, that should have been yours to enjoy. Your story has created real hope for research, for families facing DIPG, and for a future where fewer families have to say goodbye too soon. Jenny and Mark, sending you both so much love today and always. #DefeatDIPG

— Allison L.

Dear Michael, Thank you for making every day brighter just by being in it. You were Rhian’s first friend. Your mom, a bestie since middle school, allowed us to love you from the very beginning. When I think of you, I don’t think of one moment—I think of pure fun, maternity leave play dates, dancing in the basement, all of the parties, pool days, baseball and MLL games, farm fun, and our shared love of good food. You are Lila’s incredible brother and Rhian’s motivation to be a doctor to defeatDIPG. We cherish having known you, think of you daily, honor you forever, and carry you in our hearts.

— Liz O’Connor

Dear Michael,

Did you know that you were born with superpowers? The power to inspire ordinary people to take action; the power to connect people who care deeply about you and your family; the power to fill the hearts of those who never had the privilege of knowing you with love; the power to move mountains in the fight against a terrible monster. These are some pretty extraordinary things, and I know you’re just getting started.

Happy birthday, sweet Michael.
I’ll be thinking of your beautiful smile and the legacy of hope you continue to inspire. 

— Sarit

Although our family never met Michael, his legacy has profoundly touched our lives. Through Mark and Jenny and our involvement with ChadTough Defeat DIPG, we’ve seen how one little boy’s courage continues to inspire hope, fuel research, and unite a community determined to end DIPG. We are grateful to play a small part in carrying his mission forward. Thank you, Michael, for reminding us that one life can truly change the world. Forever six. Forever a hero.

— The Chan-Gerelus Family

Thinking of the Mosier family as Michael’s 18th birthday approaches. Michael’s legacy continues to make a difference and inspire hope for families facing DIPG every day.

— Jess G

Michael, you inspire me every day. I am honored to carry on your legacy in the work I do with DIPG families.

Your life, your courage, and the love your family has for you continue to make a difference. I hope you know how deeply your story is helping others and how much your beautiful life continues to inspire the fight for a cure.

I will always be grateful for the opportunity to know your story and to help keep your light shining.

— Laura

Michael: Your family continues to do an amazing job in both keeping your memory alive and working so hard and so bravely to do everything they can to help create a future where no one family and no child has to go through what you did. You left a legacy of love, and you and your family continue to inspire us all. While each of us wishes we could go back in time and change what happened, you and your family are bringing so much goodness to the world. We will be sending love and prayers on your birthday, and all month long.

— Hamilton and Traci

Happy 18th birthday to Michael, who continues to make an enormous positive impact for DIPG fighters and their families around the world. We wish we had the chance to meet him and see his beautiful smile in person. We celebrate Michael’s life and he continues to inspire us. Our thoughts are with the Mosier family on this special day, and we challenge everyone to join them in the fight to finally defeat DIPG.

— The Ben Family

Michael, you have touched so many people over the past 18 years — even those who never had the chance to meet you. We are sending lots of love to you, your parents, and your adored sister, Lila. In your name, they continue to lead the way in the fight to Defeat DIPG. xoxo

— The Rogstad Family

Dear Michael, as you know well, superheroes fight against impossible odds and never give up. We’ve seen breakthroughs in the fight against DIPG and your fingerprints are all over them. Happy 18th Birthday, Superhero. Your life continues to make a difference.

To the Mosiers – your bravery to honor Michael by continuing to fight has inspired a movement, demonstrated real love and given hope to families and fueled critical research and breakthroughs in the fight against DIPG. Incredibly honored to partner with you in this fight. #DefeatDIPG

— The Barna Family

Oh Michael, how I wish you were here to celebrate your 18th birthday properly. What love your family and friends will always have for you. I have to believe you are with us and proud of what has been accomplished in your honor. My deepest love and respect to you and your family.

— Amanda

Hi Michael,
Thinking about you today (and other days really). After reading these tributes, I feel lucky to have met you. It was at a baseball game and despite us cheering for opposite teams (Go Cubs, Go!) I continue to be in awe of you: the many to-do lists accomplished, your desire to help other kids fighting DIPG, and as a big sibling myself, your devotion to Lila. On days that I lack motivation, I find myself thinking about you to get inspired. Although you only lived to be 6.5 years old, you’re larger than life itself.

— Sara Toussaint

Michael, 
Happy 18 in Heaven Michael. 
While we didn’t get the chance to know you, you have created such a movement in Bethesda/Potomac and beyond. I remember meeting your nanny at Mygym and hearing all about you and your mom when we did a class with Lila. Your spirit has made an impact on everyone at Seven Locks Elementary and the entire Moco community. Wishing you were here to celebrate 18. Believing that you are looking down on your family and friends and sharing your love always. Sending love to the Mosier’s today.

— Melnick Family

Michael,
Your family continues to inspire us with their grace, generosity, and courage. They love you tremendously have kept your memory alive and vibrant—we can conjure the imagine of your ear-to-ear grin so easily. We are sending the Mosier/Silverman family our love and support as we mark your 18th birthday. You have inspired so many people to dream big.

— The Baak Family

Happy 18th Heavenly Birthday Michael!

— Sherry