Dmitri Phelps Memorial Fund
Supporting families facing pediatric brain cancer. Funding initiatives in Dmitri's memory
Who We Are
We used to be a happy family of four - Vince, Olga, and their two wonderful children Dmitri and Sasha. We enjoyed wonderful family vacations visiting relatives in Russia, Switzerland, and the rest of Europe. Dmitri and Sasha were best friends - absolutely inseparable brothers who loved spending time together, playing basketball, and enjoying their childhood in a peaceful suburban New Jersey town. One day, in October of 2016, this idyllic life ended abruptly when Dmitri was diagnosed with a virtually
incurable form of pediatric brain cancer- Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). After 4 brain surgeries, three rounds of brain and spine radiation, 6 weeks of chemo, and experimental vaccine trials in Germany, Dmitri passed away on January 20th, 2018, only a few months before his 18th birthday. During the agonizing final year of his life, he still managed to get a perfect SAT score and pass all his AP tests with flying colors. Dmitri spoke four languages and was dreaming of studying international law.
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Our fund's mission is to raise awareness of DIPG, financially support families affected by it, and promote activities honoring Dmitri's memory
What is DIPG?
DIPG and DMG are particularly aggressive and difficult-to-treat brain tumors typically found in children.
The cause is not known to be hereditary or environmentally influenced. There is nothing a parent did or did not do that caused DIPG/DMG to occur in their child.
The lifespan for patients with DIPG or DMG varies. Radiation has been shown to improve quality and quantity of life for some but not all. Experimental trials are continuously being initiated in the hopes of prolonging survival.
Prognosis
Medical advances in the past 40 years have greatly improved the survival rates for children diagnosed with most types of cancer. For some cancers, the medical advances have been extraordinary. For example, the survival rate for children with acute lymphocytic leukemia has increased from less than 10% in the 1960s to nearly 90% today. Overall, the survival rate for children with cancer is around 83%.
But these medical advances have done nothing for children with DIPG. Brain tumors remain the most common cause of cancer-related death in children, and DIPG is the leading cause of death from pediatric brain tumors. A child diagnosed with DIPG today faces the same prognosis as a child diagnosed 40 years ago. There is still no effective treatment and no chance of survival. Only 10% of children with DIPG survive for 2 years following their diagnosis, and less than 1% survive for 5 years. The median survival time is 9 months from diagnosis.
But these medical advances have done nothing for children with DIPG. Brain tumors remain the most common cause of cancer-related death in children, and DIPG is the leading cause of death from pediatric brain tumors. A child diagnosed with DIPG today faces the same prognosis as a child diagnosed 40 years ago. There is still no effective treatment and no chance of survival. Only 10% of children with DIPG survive for 2 years following their diagnosis, and less than 1% survive for 5 years. The median survival time is 9 months from diagnosis.
Our Events
Our fund organizes the annual Dmitri Phelps Memorial Basketball Game at Dmitri's High School. All proceeds go to families affected by childhood cancer
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The Mile for Millions Charity Run gathered over $2,000 for the fund.
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St. Petersburg, Russia, was Dmitri's second home. In Dmitri's memory, his brother Sasha has worked to make a positive impact on local underprivileged children through the medium of basketball.
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Branchburg Central Middle School holds the annual Dmitri Phelps Memorial Geo Bee contest where the finalists receive prizes sponsored by the Dmitri Phelps Memorial Fund.
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Administration:
Vincent, Alexander (Sasha), and Olga Phelps - directors
Address:
Dmitri Phelps Memorial Fund
10 Cascades Terrace
Branchburg, NJ
08876
