Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) is a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer that affects the pons region of the brainstem. It is most commonly found in children between the ages of 5 and 9 years old. The pons is responsible for critical bodily functions such as breathing, swallowing, and heartbeat regulation. The location of the tumor makes surgical removal difficult, and traditional chemotherapy and radiation treatments have had limited success. The average survival time for DIPG patients is less than a year from the time of diagnosis, making it a devastating diagnosis for patients and their loved ones. The impact of losing a loved one to DIPG can be profound and long-lasting. The sudden loss of a child, sibling, or friend can leave family and friends feeling overwhelmed, shocked, and heartbroken. Coping with grief is a unique journey for each individual, but it is essential to seek support from family, friends, and professional counselors to process the emotions and navigate the healing process. Although the loss of a loved one to DIPG is a challenging experience, it is important to remember that their memory can live on through advocacy, fundraising, and research efforts to find a cure for this devastating disease. Kate’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kateteneyck/ Kate’s TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Qp-Otrt8ek Kate’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VV7YRK4?ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_dp_V3KVJWVPBEC2BGZH4KCG FREE-1 year supply of Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs with code INSANE: www.athleticgreens.com/insane If you have a unique story you'd like to share on the podcast, email wereallinsanepodcast@gmail.com. 00:00 AG1 00:22 Introduction 00:37 Childhood Health & OCD 05:22 Meeting Charlie 06:22 Charlie Diagnosed with Cancer 09:34 Catching Feelings 13:07 Telling Him She Likes Him 15:07 First Date at Make-a-Wish Ball 17:22 DIPG Diagnosis & Confronting Death 19:22 Relationship Grows, Charlie’s Illness Progresses 24:22 Prom 28:22 AG1 29:53 Charlie Pushes Kate Away 31:53 Charlie Passes Away 33:53 Grief & Charlie’s Funeral 35:57 “Everything Happens for a Reason” 40:53 Friends Didn’t Know How to Respond 42:53 What Not to Say to a Grieving Person 44:53 Grief is Messy 46:00 Moving Forward 53:53 Speech Pathology & Volunteering 59:00 Concluding thoughts