Doctors Discovered Inoperable Brain Tumor After Boy Suffers Concussion From Snowboarding Fall

Devin Suau, a six-year-old boy took a hard fall and hit his head. Unfortunately, doctors found a tumor on his brain stem while being assessed for a possible concussion management.

His parents were shocked about the finding they heard hours later. Physicians informed James and Christine, who were from Framingham, Massachusetts, that their son had an incurable brain tumor called Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG).

This tumor is a very unusual and invasive form of cancer normally found in children between ages five to nine, the Doctors explained. According to Daily Mail, there are between 200 and 300 children diagnosed with DIPG in the United States annually.

DIPG, a type of tumor, which has no symptoms is located on the base of the brain and on top of the spine.
Later, it will affect all Devin's significant body functions such as heartbeat, breathing, swallowing, eyesight and balance. The little boy is currently undergoing a radiation treatment, which doctors suggest as the best option to keep him comfortable.

Devin has only between eight months and two years to live. His family is now hoping that the hashtag #whynotdevin will enhance awareness in boosting sufficient funding and research to find a medicine soon.

"Life changing. Three weeks ago we were a normal family doing normal activities," James, Devin's father, told FOX 25. "We got some of the results today that he has high grade, which means it's faster growing," his mother, Christine added.

Meanwhile, researchers are finding clinical tests that may provide more time to the kindergartner to live. "Being told that your six-year-old has a maximum of two years of life is beyond anything you can comprehend," Christine said.

The family began the hashtag #whynotdevin as in, why shouldn't Devin be the initial child to live through this final diagnosis. They hope that an association will discover the hashtag and contribute funding for research and treatment. As a result, the Massachusetts State Police, the Harvard hockey team, members of the military and families of their entire country contribute assistance.

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