According to the National Cancer Institute, brain and nervous system cancer represents nearly 16% of all new pediatric cancer cases, making it the second most common form of pediatric cancer. The Governor’s office recently declared May as Brain Tumor Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of cancer research across the commonwealth.
Brandon Robinson, well-known in eastern Kentucky for his work as a forecaster for WYMT and WMOR radio, is a three-time brain cancer survivor. He recently announced his retirement amid his continued health journey. Robinson said children with aggressive brain cancers, like diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), fight an underrecognized battle.
“Brain cancers are all underfunded, but the pediatric brain tumors and DIPG are the most underfunded,” said Robinson. “I’m glad this money is going to the most vulnerable of us, our kids.”
Robinson said funding for cancer research is especially vital for groups like children, but these declarations benefit all survivors.
“I’m grateful, for all brain cancer survivors, that we’re being recognized, we’ve been seen, and we are being heard,” said Robinson.
Beshear designated May 17 as DIPG Awareness Day. May 21 is David Turner Jr. Ice Cream Day, honoring a young advocate who battled DIPG until his death in 2021.
The Kentucky General Assembly recently announced a record $14 million in the 2024 biennial budget will go toward pediatric brain cancer research. These funds join the millions of dollars contributed to the Kentucky Pediatric Cancer Research Trust Fund since 2015.