ENROLLED
2023 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 97
BY REPRESENTATIVE WHEAT
A RESOLUTION
To recognize May 17, 2023, as Diffuse Midline Glioma/Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma
(DMG/DIPG) Awareness Day in Louisiana.
WHEREAS, diffuse midline glioma (DMG), also referred to as diffuse intrinsic
pontine glioma (DIPG), is an aggressive brain tumor that attacks the brainstem and slowly
destroys all vital functions, even as cognitive function remains intact, rendering the affected
person a prisoner in his or her own body; it is regarded by the medical community as the
deadliest form of childhood cancer; and
WHEREAS, diffuse midline glioma typically affects children who are between the
ages of five and nine; tragically, while the medical community has been aware of diffuse
midline glioma for four decades, they have been unable to develop any treatment, making
the disease inoperable, incurable, and fatal; and
WHEREAS, diffuse midline glioma accounts for 10-20% of all brain tumors in
young children, and individuals diagnosed with the disease face a median overall survival
rate of only eight to twelve months; and
WHEREAS, Kallie Dickens, daughter of Hayley and Justin Dickens and sister of
Kora Dickens, was diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma in June 2021; she endured
unimaginable treatment regimens with grace, optimism, and a perpetual smile on her
beautiful face; she tragically lost her battle in May 2022, eleven months after being
diagnosed; and
WHEREAS, Kallie's family carries the bright light of her memory through "Keeping
A Light for Kallie", a charitable organization that supports pediatric cancer families both
financially and emotionally; and
Page 1 of 2 HR NO. 97 ENROLLED
WHEREAS, it most fitting to recognize May 17, 2023, as Diffuse Midline
Glioma/Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DMG/DIPG) Awareness Day in Louisiana to
carry on the light of Kallie and all others who have passed as a result of this terrible disease.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby recognize May 17, 2023, as Diffuse Midline
Glioma/Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DMG/DIPG) Awareness Day in Louisiana and
does hereby extend sincerest wishes that all Louisianians offer their support in hopes that
we may one day find a cure to this and other terrible childhood diseases.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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