Page 119 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2020

GIVING BACK
SoSo Strong Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
story by Je Clark
photos courtesy of SoSo Strong Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
SOPHIA MYERS passed away in 2017 after a battle with DIPG. Her parents started the SoSo Strong Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation to honor her life.
“DIPG stole our beautiful daughter, Sophia, but she still has a future. Her future, her legacy, will be nding a cure for DIPG and all pediatric brain tumors.”– Angel Myers McIlrath, Mother of Sophia and “SoSo” Founder & President
Ocean Springs resident Sophia
Myers was only seven years old when she succumbed to DIPG, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer, in 2017. Less than 10 percent of the children diagnosed with DIPG live for two years after diagnosis. DIPG is fatal and there is no known cure for the cancer.
But Sophia’s parents, Angel Myers McIlrath and Josh Myers want to help other families who will one day be faced with the death sentence that is DIPG. They started the SoSo Strong Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Funds raised
through the foundation go toward research, nding a cure for the disease, as well as extending and improving the quality of life of those diagnosed with DIPG until a cure can be found.
“I started the foundation because watching your child die from this cancer is just unacceptable,” McIlrath said. “Neil Armstrong’s child had DIPG and had
the same treatment 53 years ago. This has got to change. Our children deserve better than to pray for a miracle and make memories while you can, because those are the only options when a child
is diagnosed with DIPG. We live in a day and age where technology is so advanced. There has got to be a cure for DIPG because anything else is unacceptable.”
The Foundation aims to nd a cure of DIPG while also searching for a cause, promoting education and awareness, and providing patient services. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 632, Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
SoSo Strong Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation 228.327.3133 www.sososstrongpbtf.org
Proud Sponsor of
SoSo Strong Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
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