$4.2 Million Investment in Next-Generation DIPG/DMG Research

ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation, together with its dedicated Family and Research Partners, is proud to announce a $4.2 million investment in nine new DIPG/DMG research projects over the next three years. As momentum in the field continues to grow, the foundation experienced a remarkable 44% increase in grant applications compared to the previous year — evidence of both the urgent need for better therapies and the expanding community of scientists committed to solving one of the deadliest forms of childhood cancer.

With this latest investment, ChadTough Defeat DIPG has now committed more than $48 million to support 112 researchers across 50 institutions worldwide, further strengthening its position as the world’s leading private funder of DIPG and DMG research. Every dollar invested is focused on accelerating discoveries that can improve outcomes for children and ultimately lead to a cure.

The 2026 funding portfolio reflects where the field is headed next: precision targeting of H3 K27M tumor biology, innovative combination therapies, immune-based approaches, strategies to overcome treatment resistance, and translational science designed to move promising discoveries into clinical trials. Selected from one of the most competitive application cycles in the foundation’s history, this year’s awards include five New Investigator Grants ($400,000 over three years each) and four Game Changer Grants ($600,000 over three years each), supporting bold ideas with the potential to transform the future of DIPG/DMG treatment.

2026 Game Changer Grant Recipients

Game Changer Grants support innovative, hypothesis-driven projects that address major challenges in DIPG/DMG research and have the potential to generate breakthrough discoveries.

• Marta Alonso, Cima Universidad de Navarra
  (co-funded by RUN DIPG, Storm the Heavens Fund, and the Violet Foundation for Pediatric Brain Cancer)
• Suzanne Baker and Christopher Tinkle, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
  (co-funded by Elle’s Angels Foundation, the Shaker Family Charitable Foundation, the Taylor Anne Foundation, the Violet Foundation for Pediatric Brain Cancer, and the Vivienne C. Finn Foundation)
• Anne Rios, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology
  (co-funded by the Violet Foundation for Pediatric Brain Cancer and the Sybil Sugarman Memorial Fund)
• Sriram Venneti, University of Michigan
  (co-funded by the Violet Foundation for Pediatric Brain Cancer)

2026 New Investigator Grant Recipients

New Investigator Grants support newly independent researchers establishing DIPG/DMG-focused laboratories, as well as established investigators bringing their expertise into the field for the first time.

• Jerome Fortin, McGill University
• Yoon Seok Kim, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
• Guillem Pascual-Pastó, Fundació Sant Joan de Déu
  (co-funded by the Violet Foundation for Pediatric Brain Cancer)
• Joelle Payne Straehla, Seattle Children’s Hospital
  (co-funded by the Mattie Jackson Fund and the Violet Foundation for Pediatric Brain Cancer)
• Qiang Zhang, University of Michigan

These nine projects represent the next generation of DIPG/DMG research — bringing together emerging investigators and established leaders from leading institutions around the world. By investing across a diverse portfolio of scientific approaches, ChadTough Defeat DIPG is accelerating collaboration, expanding the research pipeline, and helping move the most promising discoveries closer to children who urgently need better treatment options.

All applications undergo rigorous review by the foundation’s Scientific Advisory Council, a panel of internationally recognized leaders in pediatric brain tumor research. This process ensures that ChadTough Defeat DIPG invests in the most promising, innovative, and high-impact science in the field.

The foundation’s ability to make these investments is powered by a unique collaborative model. Founded by the families of Chad Carr and Michael Mosier, ChadTough Defeat DIPG works alongside 44 Family Partners and 28 Research Partners, all united by a shared commitment to changing the future for children diagnosed with DIPG/DMG. Together, they have built a powerful movement that is accelerating research, advancing hope, and driving progress toward a cure.

Click here to learn more about our complete research portfolio, including these latest innovative projects advancing the fight against DIPG and DMG.

ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation partners with others who share the same passion in the mission. Working together and sharing knowledge is the fastest path to a cure.

CHADTOUGH DEFEAT DIPG RESEARCH PARTNERS:

Alvin L. Glick Foundation
Archer Foundation
Austin Strong Foundation
Avery’s Little Army
Cal’s Angels
The DEKM Fund
Elle’s Angels Foundation
Emily’s Light
House of Hutch
Lace ‘em up for Libby
Love for Linley Foundation
Magic for Maddie
Mark Massey Legacy Foundation
Mattie Jackson Fund
McKenna Claire Foundation
Neev Kolte & Brave Ronil Foundation
NoahBRAVE Foundation
Rossi Family Foundation
Run DIPG
Shaker Family Charitable Foundation
SoSo Strong Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
Storm the Heavens Fund
The Sybil Sugarman Memorial Fund
Taylor Anne Foundation
Ted and Jane Von Voigtlander Foundation
Tough2gether Against DIPG/DMG
Violet Foundation for Pediatric Brain Cancer
Vivienne C. Finn Foundation
Zatkoff Family Legacy Fund

CHADTOUGH DEFEAT DIPG FAMILY PARTNERS

Brave Like Brody
Callie’s Crew 305
Team Chika
#ColtStrong
Connor Man
Dara’s Dream Team
Eli the Brave
Team Elita
Emerson the Brave
Team Emma
Team Eugenio
Team Grant
Hudson’s Hope
Hunt for a DIPG Cure
Team Jack
Jacob & Mr. Puddles
Team Julian
Kam’s Krew
Karisa’s Unicorns
Love Like Kenzie
Team Liam
Live Like Lilian
Team LucyLove
LukesSquad
Maddie’s Fight Squad
Love for Maggie
Malin’s Days
#MattiesJourney
Mirah’s Many
Morgan Strong
Because of Noah
Team Owen
RallyforRaegan
Finkel Force
Team Rylan
Team Sam
#SamStrong
#SophieStrong
Team Tess
Thrive Like Theo
Team Tommy
Team Tucker Tough
Team Vivian Rose
Team WillieSmac