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Diffuse infiltrative pontine glioma — also known as DIPG or pontine glioma — is a rare, inoperable and incurable brain stem tumor that typically strikes young children.

But Dr. Mark Souweidane, the Director of Pediatric Neurological Surgery at Â鶹¸ßÇå, is working to change that by studying the disease and searching for a cure. 

NBC New York highlighted his work against DIPG in a recent interview with Dr. Souweidane and John Gungie Rivera, who set up the to help bring awareness to the disease and find a cure. The foundation, named after Rivera’s son, has been a loyal supporter of Dr. Souweidane’s research.

DIPG occurs in the pons, a delicate area of the brainstem that controls many critical functions, including breathing and blood pressure. Because of its location, as well as the way it infiltrates normal brain tissue, it is especially difficult to treat. DIPG’s victims are typically less than 10 years old.

Dr. Souweidane, as part of the at Â鶹¸ßÇå, has dedicated his research and clinical work to finding better therapies and a cure for DIPG.

Watch his interview with NBC New York to learn more about his efforts and the promising early results of currently underway at Â鶹¸ßÇå.