On October 16, 2023, Madison “Maddie” Constable, a vibrant, then 16-year-old from Brooklyn, NY, was rushed to the hospital after feeling disoriented and unwell. What began as a routine concern quickly became a life-altering diagnosis—a 4.8cm tumor was discovered in her brain, roughly the size of a lime. Shortly after, Maddie and her family received the devastating news: diffuse midline glioma (DMG), an aggressive and relentless form of brain cancer.
The diagnosis sent shockwaves through her family, turning their world upside down. Maddie is more than just a patient—she is a bright, ambitious, and compassionate young woman with dreams of making a difference. She had her entire future ahead of her, but now, she faced a battle no teenager should ever have to fight.
Finding Strength Through My DIPG Navigator®
A brain cancer diagnosis comes with overwhelming uncertainty—medical jargon, urgent treatment decisions, and a desperate search for the best care. Like so many families before them, Maddie’s family turned to My DIPG Navigator for help.
Through the program, Maddie’s family was connected with a dedicated Nurse Navigator—a pediatric oncology expert who helped them:
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- Understand treatment options and what each step meant for Maddie’s future
- Navigate clinical trials, including an opportunity at NYU for a promising new drug, ONC201
- Find answers and emotional support during the hardest moments of their journey
“There is no roadmap for a diagnosis like this. My DIPG Navigator became our guide, helping us make sense of everything and giving us the confidence to fight for Maddie’s best possible care.” – Maddie’s Family
A Fighter’s Spirit: The Battle Continues
Determined to fight, Maddie endured three brain surgeries at Cornell, where doctors worked tirelessly to remove as much of the tumor as possible. With remarkable resilience, she then began weeks of radiation, five days a week, at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC. The treatment was grueling, but crucial in her battle. Through it all, Maddie pushed forward, fueled by the love and unwavering support of her family.
By the summer of 2024, a glimmer of hope emerged—Maddie was accepted into a clinical trial at NYU. She celebrated her 17th birthday, completed school virtually, and continued fighting with the same determination that has defined her journey.
But cancer is an unforgiving opponent. Despite the best efforts of her medical team, an emergency MRI revealed that the tumor had started growing again. The news was heartbreaking, yet Maddie and her family refused to give up. They hold onto hope—hope in new treatments, hope in research advancements, and most of all, hope in Maddie’s incredible strength.
“Maddie is not just fighting cancer—she is fighting for a future, for every dream she has yet to chase, and for the life she deserves to live.”
