Pediatric cancer is the leading cause of death during childhood. The most common type of pediatric cancer – the brain tumor – also has the highest mortality rate, three times greater than that of leukemia. About 2,000 new pediatric brain tumors are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.

The cause of primary pediatric brain tumors is unknown, and its incidence is, alarmingly, on the rise. Of all types of brain tumors, brain stem gliomas account for 10%-20% of all brain tumor diagnoses. To make matters worse, the vast majority of brain stem gliomas grow within the brain stem itself and are not surgically accessible.

There are no prevention strategies for pediatric brain tumors, and cures are rare. Early detection is difficult since symptoms are similar to those of common childhood illnesses. Survivors often experience poor quality of life due to neurological disorders, retardation or psychological problems.

Funding for pediatric brain tumors is critical since treatments discovered for adult tumors may not be appropriate for children. Yet public and private support for pediatric cancer research trails that of other cancers, accounting for less than 3% of all funding in the war against cancer. Relatively few dollars targeted specifically to brain tumor research fund pediatric brain tumor research: in 1996, only $2 million out of $56 million. Support for scientific enquiry into the causes and cures of Rory's type of cancer – brain stem glioma – is far less.

There are, however, signs of encouragement. Other types of deadly childhood cancers such as leukemia now have a 70% cure rate. Neuro-oncology teams nationwide are performing clinically relevant research on the causes of pediatric brain tumors, with results that could eventually translate from bench to bedside. Leading medical authorities are confident that this vitally important work – if adequately supported by public and private donations – will lead to a cure.

Few sights are as heart-rending as witnessing a child struggle valiantly against a disease for which there is no known remedy. Seriously underfunded research teams continue to make progress... but not fast enough for the many children who die each year from brain stem tumors. With your help, we can provide brighter tomorrows for all children afflicted with this dreaded disease.