WHEREAS, Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) is a rare, fast-growing tumor that forms in cells called glial cells in a part of the brain stem called the pons. DIPGs tend to spread to nearby tissue and other parts of the brain stem; and

WHEREAS, DIPG affects between 200 and 400 children in the United States each year and is difficult to treat, and prognosis for patients are poor; and

WHEREAS, clinical signs of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma in children include odd eye movements, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, trouble maintaining balance, or drooping of one part of their face; and

WHEREAS, DIPG is the second most common malignant brain tumor found in children and the leading cause of childhood death due to brain tumors; and

WHEREAS, prognosis has not improved for children with DIPG in more than 35 years, however over the last 10 years there has been a significant increase in DIPG research giving us greater insights into this disease. New medical technology and research that finally offers hope for improved treatments for children afflicted with this disease; and

WHEREAS, hopefully leading medical institutions are on the forefront of fighting cancer and researching cures for this disease; and

WHEREAS, the State of Nevada is committed to promoting the health and welfare of all residents of the Silver State and supports efforts to raise public awareness of this deadly childhood cancer;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, STEVE SISOLAK, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim May 17, 2022, as

DIFFUSE INTRINSIC PONTINE GLIOMA DAY IN NEVADA