Your commitment of at least $6,000 a year or $500 a month for 3 years or more will allow us to plan and allocate resources more effectively, particularly for our multi-year research grant awards. As a Big Hero Club member, you will play a pivotal role in the quest for a cure, while honoring Michael who is Forever 6.
Become a vital partner in the battle to Defeat DIPG.
For more information, contact Ann Friedholm at ann@chadtough.org
Join the Big hero ClubOur Big Hero
A week after his 6th birthday, Michael Mosier was diagnosed with a brain tumor called DIPG, and doctors told his family that he had less than a year to live. DIPG quickly ravaged Michael’s body, stealing his ability to walk, paralyzing his right side, and even interfering with his speech and ability to smile.
As an avid athlete, Michael was heartbreakingly unable to do his favorite activities, but one thing Michael could still do was watch movies. During this time, Disney released Big Hero 6, and Michael’s parents took him to see it in the theater anytime he asked. Toward the end of Michael’s journey, Michael created a race team to raise funds for childhood brain cancer research, and he chose the name Team Big Hero Michael.
For all that DIPG took from Michael, it could not shake his spirit and bravery. Michael faced the challenges of DIPG with determination to make the best of each day, creating a “todo list” that he would finish before going to sleep each night. After an 8.5-month battle, Michael passed away in the arms of his parents on May 17, 2015. Michael will forever be our Big Hero and inspire our fight to Defeat DIPG.
Why Your Support Matters
DIPG is the deadliest form of childhood brain cancer, a devastating diagnosis affecting predominantly young children. Currently, there is no cure for this aggressive cancer. Most children die within 9-11 months following diagnosis, and overall survival is less than 1%. With minimal investment from the federal government, the funding responsibility has fallen on the shoulders of parents who lost children and established foundations dedicated to pediatric cancer research. Researchers are finally optimistic about real change for kids facing DIPG with recent promising breakthroughs, but they need further investments to carry on this fight.
Your Gift in Action
With a recurring donation of at least $6,000 per year for 3 years or more, your philanthropy will enable us to:
Advance Innovative Research
Provide Free One-on-One Nurse Navigation To Families
Fund Clinical Trials
Raise Awareness
Who We Are
We see a world where kids diagnosed with DIPG can have a bright future and live out their dreams.
In the fight for a DIPG/DMG cure, the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation helps patients and families by funding game-changing research and providing navigation throughout their journey. Our foundation was established in memory of Michael Mosier and Chad Carr, two courageous children who fought valiantly against this unforgiving disease, and now also includes roughly 40 Family Partners from across the country and Mexico. ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation is at the forefront of DIPG research funding, with over $27 million committed to 35 research institutions across the world since 2015. In addition, our My DIPG Navigator program is a top resource for families in the fight, with a dedicated team of expert pediatric oncology nurses that provide immediate guidance to families confronting this horrific disease.
Together, we can turn heartbreak into hope and finish the “to-do list” of our Big Hero Michael.
Join the Big hero ClubWhat is DIPG?
DIPG is a devastating and aggressive brain tumor typically found in children.
How will we defeat DIPG?
Learn about our programs, the progress we’ve made, and how you can help.
