ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation

11/04/2026

Lilian was independent, witty, and possessed the kind of cute, quiet giggle that was often contagious. She loved Peppa Pig and catching bugs, frogs, and turtles.

Our hearts are with Lilian's parents and her twin sister, Everly, on the anniversary of her passing.

In April 2022, her parents noticed one of her eyes was beginning to drift to the side. Following this, one side of her mouth began to droop, and she started walking with a stagger. Lilian was taken to the hospital, where her parents' worst fear was confirmed when she was diagnosed with DIPG.

She underwent 30 rounds of radiation, and her tumor began to shrink. Her parents filled her life with as much joy as possible, celebrating every victory and living life to the fullest. Unfortunately, as time went by, Lilian’s symptoms worsened, and she passed away in November, less than seven months after being diagnosed with DIPG.

We are proud to have Lilian’s family as a Family Partner as we continue to fight to Defeat DIPG.

Learn more about Lilian here: https://chadtough.org/meet-the-kids/lilian-blackman/

11/03/2026

Our hearts are with the Ruddy family today. 💛🧡

11/03/2026

Today marks ten years since the passing of Tommy Ruddy.

Tommy was an adventurous, loving, and fearless five-year-old boy who loved to be outdoors and do anything sports-related. Whether he was riding his dirt bike, cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles, or finding ways to make everyone smile, Tommy lived his life with his whole heart. He was bold, full of personality, and had a kindness that touched everyone around him.

In August of 2016, Tommy was diagnosed with DIPG. Less than three months later, they had to say goodbye to their boy who battled this disease for just 11 weeks. Though Tommy’s time was much too short, he created a legacy of love and left behind a community determined to make a difference in his name.

We are honored to have Team Tommy as a Family Partner as we remain committed to advancing research, supporting families, and fighting for a cure.

Learn more about Tommy here: https://chadtough.org/meet-the-kids/tommy-ruddy/

11/02/2026

After attending a ChadTough Defeat DIPG fundraiser in New York, high school senior Liam Farley knew he wanted to find a way to help. What started as a simple desire to give back quickly grew into something much bigger.

Inspired by RunTough for ChadTough Defeat DIPG, Liam rallied family and friends and raised more than $9,250 from 103 donors before completing his own rainy 5K through downtown New York City. His story is a powerful reminder that you don’t need a personal connection to DIPG to make a meaningful difference.

Learn more here: https://chadtough.org/inspired-to-help-determined-to-make-a-difference/

10/31/2026

Happy Halloween! 🎃

Today we want to pause and remember the little ones who won’t be out trick-or-treating this year. DIPG takes too many kids away from the joys of childhood, robbing families of precious moments like Halloween.

Our hearts go out to all the families who are missing their child a little extra today.

10/31/2026

Yesterday, we celebrated Theo on what would have been his birthday, and today our hearts go out to his family as we mark three years since his passing.

Theo grew from a curious, wide-eyed baby into a confident and effervescent little boy, and his family couldn’t wait to see who he would become. Sadly, they weren't given the chance.

The months following Theo's diagnosis were filled with radiation, alternative therapies, and cutting-edge drugs still in trial. With this, Theo’s tumor shrank significantly, and he slowly began to improve.

Each day became achingly precious, and his battle with DIPG was filled with magical moments, as well as heartbreaking setbacks. This included memorable trips around California, but also many trips to the hospital.

After a nine-month battle, Theo unfortunately passed away in the early hours of the morning, just after his fourth birthday. While Theo’s life was not long, his story reached people across the world.

We are grateful to have Theo’s family as a Family Partner as we continue to support children and their families facing this horrible disease.

Learn more about Theo here: https://chadtough.org/meet-the-kids/theo-kramer/

10/30/2026

A huge thank you to the Walmart Foundation for their generous donation in honor of Brody Townsend. 🧡💛

We are so excited to donate $2,000 to ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation as part of our Health & Wellness Days of Giving to help fund research and support for kids diagnosed with DIPG & DMG (aggressive and hard to treat brain tumors in children).

10/30/2026

Today we remember Theo Kramer on what would have been his 7th birthday.

Theo was a happy, inquisitive, and playful young boy. He danced without holding back, and he knew the name of every truck in existence. He was a fast runner, felt everything deeply, and had a laugh that filled every room. Theo was truly magnetic, and to know him was to love him.

In February of 2023, Theo and his family’s world came crashing down when he was diagnosed with DIPG. Within just three days of receiving his diagnosis, he lost all ability to walk, swallow, and talk. Theo and his family fought in every way imaginable, exploring every treatment option.

On his 4th birthday, Theo experienced a massive brain bleed, and he spent his birthday in a deep sleep, surrounded by his closest family. Theo unfortunately took his last breath just after midnight, as his family sang to him, read to him, and said their goodbyes.

We are proud to have the Kramer family as a Family Partner in honor of their sweet Theo. With their support, we continue to work so children diagnosed with DIPG have a fighting chance.

Learn more about Theo here: https://chadtough.org/meet-the-kids/theo-kramer/

10/29/2026

Today marks 11 years since Connor Olympia passed after battling DIPG.

Connor was intelligent, athletic, and had a great sense of humor well beyond his years. He had a contagious sense of excitement and energy for everything he did. He was a Texas boy who loved to both watch and play all sports. He also loved Legos, trains, puzzles, and cooking with his dad.

Connor and his family's lives were turned upside down when he was diagnosed with DIPG. In just a few days, he went from riding his bike around the neighborhood to not being able to move the right side of his body. Through all the hardships he endured, he showed what it meant to live life to the fullest.

We are proud to have Connor’s family as a Family Partner as we continue to fight for a cure.

Learn more about Connor here: https://chadtough.org/meet-the-kids/connor-olympia/