5-year-old White Plains boy battles rare type of cancerous brain tumor

A 5-year-old boy from White Plains is in a fight for his life after being diagnosed with a rare cancer.

News 12 Staff

Apr 22, 2019, 1:20 AM

Updated 1,923 days ago

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A 5-year-old boy from White Plains is battling a rare form of cancer.

Jackson DiDona was in class a few weeks ago when his teacher noticed a tremor in his hand. The teacher notified Gregory and Lori DiDona, who immediately took their son to the doctor.
After taking him to his general pediatrician they referred Jackson to get an MRI where they diagnosed him with DIPG and gave him a four-month to a year prognosis. DIPG is a rare cancerous brain tumor that effects an individuals heart beat, breathing, swallowing, eye movement, eye sight and balance.
Jackson's parents say despite this hard news they are working very hard to give their son the best life he can possibly have.
They say even with the diagnosis, Jackson is still a fun, loving, light-hearted boy who loves fire trucks, policemen, sports, and superheroes.
Many people in the Westchester County area say they are doing everything they can to help Jackson in his fight.
"I have two children of my own and I can't even imagine what they're going through. So anything we can do to help at this time a lot of guys, fire department, police, everybody around the neighborhood has been coming through unbelievably," says White Plains firefighter Frank Piccininni.
This type of cancer effects about 200 to 400 kids in the United States annually.
Jackson will receive medical care at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla and will then seek any clinical trial available to him.


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