Kristopher's Village Fund
Kristopher's Village's was founded after Kristoper Vincent Quander's courageous battle with DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Giloma) a form of pediatric brain cancer. Our mission is to show love and support to families that are being affected by pediatric brain cancer, by providing the child, their siblings, and parents with items and activities that provide comfort. Below are a few words describing who Kristopher was and the joy he brought into world that with your help we would now like to share with others in their time of need.
Meet Kristopher, son of Stephen and Kelia, little brother of Stephen, Leilani, and Rian, big brother to Madison. Loved by all who know him. He is bold, kind, vivacious, funny, intelligent and an all-around fun kid. He loves to play with his siblings, he likes playing “chopped” on the Wii with whoever is willing to play, a connoisseur of “big cookie snacks” (oatmeal cream pies) and loves superheroes... especially Spider-Man. Two months ago, during a routine checkup his parents had voiced a few concerns over his change in balance and what looked like muscle weakness in his face. Another appointment was scheduled for an MRI and upon the results of that visit and to the devastation our family Kristopher was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. He is currently battling Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). This is a malignant tumor found in the brain stem, the part of the brain that controls many vital functions. DIPG affects children of both sexes equally and is typically diagnosed in patients ages 5-9 and accounts for 10-15 percent of all childhood central nervous system (CNS) tumors. This form of cancer unfortunately is terminal.
Even as Kristopher’s world changed rapidly and he experienced additional symptoms like loss of balance, frequent mood swings, headaches, night terrors, and some difficulty swallowing he still managed to smile and enjoy himself when surrounded with loved ones. He fought so hard and was the epitome of a superhero!
-The Quander Family