Help Lydia Sharpe Battle Against Brain Cancer
The Sharpe family needs your support!
On August 11, 2021 the youngest member of the Sharpe family, 5 year old Lydia, was diagnosed with DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma). Lydia’s parents Jonathan and Tara first noticed some dizzy spells and nausea, but her symptoms quickly escalated this past weekend and Lydia was admitted to the ICU.
A DIPG diagnosis is extremely rare and affects only about 300 people per year in the US - mostly children. These tumors are particularly aggressive and problematic to treat and/or operate as they form on the brain stem. The brain stem controls many things like breathing, heart rate, sight, talking, chewing, and mobility.
What started as a slight change in behavior has turned in to a devastating diagnosis for this family. Already, Lydia’s parents are seeing changes in her balance and mobility. Sadly, this is just the beginning of her medical journey with DIPG. Thankfully, she is back home with her family but there is a long way to go to help them through this challenging time.
Jonathan and Tara say that despite the challenges, Lydia is still her sweet, lovely, beautiful, and kind self. Her sisters, Madeline and Amelie, are right there by her side hugging and cheering her on.
A diagnosis of DIPG places enormous emotional and financial stress on Jonathan and Tara. They will have significant medical and travel costs, the need to provide Lydia with care, and the need to help retrofit their house as it is now difficult for Lydia to move around.
Please think of contributing to help Lydia and the entire Sharpe family in their time of need.
Thank you for your help!