Last week, Sandra Brown of Dillon received the proclamation below from Governor McMaster’s Office. This proclamation declares May 17, 2021 as DIPG Awareness Day for the State of South Carolina.
DIPG is an inoperable and incurable brain tumor (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) affecting children. The typical lifespan once diagnosed is nine months to two years. There are clinical trials but the end result has been the same.
“This is the third year that the Governor has done this. I am so honored that he has taken time to bring awareness to this disease,” said Brown.

“My granddaughter, Kendal Brooke Brown, was diagnosed on May 9, 2018 at the age of 9. She was on a clinical in Augusta, Georgia,” said Brown. “She gained her wings on November 9, 2020 at the age of 12. This cancer affects so many but is not talked about or researched as much as other cancers,” Brown noted.
The proclamation states the following:

State of South Carolina
Governor’s Proclamation
WHEREAS, brain cancer occurs when abnormal growths of cells in the brain develop into malignant tumors which can grow and spread aggressively; and
WHEREAS, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is an aggressive, inoperable tumor located in the brain stem that affects approximately 300 children in the United States each year; and
WHEREAS, brain and central nervous system tumors, including DIPG, are I the second most common cancer in children and the leading cause of death from pediatric cancer; and
WHEREAS, while there is currently no know cause or cure for DIPG and the survival rate remains low, new technology and continuing research may lead to improved treatments and outcomes for children affected by the disease; and
WHEREAS, Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma Awareness Day provides the opportunity to recognize the courage of children with DIPG and their families, remember those lost to the cancer, and honor the medical professionals who dedicate themselves to researching and treating this condition.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Henry McMaster, Governor of the great State of South Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 2021 as BRAIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH and May 17, 2021 as DIPG AWARENESS DAY throughout the state and encourage all South Carolinians to work together to raise awareness of this deadly childhood cancer and recognize the individuals and families it affects.
Henry McMaster
Governor