Sunday 26th September 2021.
RUN DIPG STORY
Two-year-old Josephine Laura Dun was diagnosed with the aggressive brain tumour ‘diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma’ (DIPG), in February 2018, daughter of local GP, Dr Phoebe Hindley (Dun), and of Biomedical Scientist, Dr Matt Dun. Matt’s research at the University of Newcastle, was primarily focused on Leukemia until Josie’s diagnosis. Josie lived for 22 months post diagnosis and passed December 2019, #ForeverFour.
RUN DIPG was founded in March of 2019 to support DIPG research. Matt, Phoebe and their family and friends found clarity in running. Matt felt at the time, that as long as he ran, Josie would always be with him, and hence ‘RUN DIPG’ was born.
RUN DIPG’s mission is to improve outcomes for patients and their families impacted by the deadliest form of childhood cancer. We achieve this by engaging and educating the community on what DIPG is, and importantly, the essential role research plays in improving outcomes.
RUN DIPG ACHIEVEMENTS
In just two years, RUN DIPG are proud to have supported:
- $176,000 in grants to support DIPG research
- $200,000 in research scholarships
- Enhanced awareness of DIPG via print, online, broadcast and social media
RUN DIPG plans for 2022 include:
- $200,000 in collaborative grant funding
- $110,000 for research scholarships
- $180,000 in laboratory support
- Building our collaborations with like-minded not-for-profits on a local and global scale
The Event
Initially set to occur on the Fernleigh Track, NSW, with a target of 100 RUN DIPG participants, the event goal was to promote awareness of DIPG and enhance the profile of the charity on Australian Brain Cancer Awareness Day, September 26th. Due to COVID-19 the event has moved to a Virtual concept, however is anticipated that local supporters will still fly the colours on the Fernleigh of their own accord.
With days until runners take their start positions to Run for RUN DIPG, the response has been awesome:
- $152,739 in donations (growing at $2000-$5000 per day)
- 269 registered runners
- Not-for-profit partnerships with Daughters and Dads- Active and Empowered and Healthy Youngsters, Healthy Dads.
Phoebe Dun will be running 21.1 kms on Sunday morning (with an injured/envious Matt cheering from the sideline) in memory of Josephine, and in support of the 20 beautiful Aussie kids that will be diagnosed with DIPG this year. Our event ambassador Stephen Peacocke will also be running 21.1 kms between filming his latest TV drama in Victoria.
If you wish to support please go to rundipg.org and get all the details from our event. We are calling on all our supporters in a COVIDSAFE manner to #runforrundipg as they run, walk, ride, swim or cheer supporting kids with brain cancer.
