The family of a young girl who lost her battle with an incurable type of brain cancer are rallying behind a plea they hope will raise more awareness of the ‘cruel disease’. Six-year-old Trinity Anne Ellsworth of Carbonear died on May 12 of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), which is a childhood cancer with a zero survival rate. Faye Ellsworth, Trinity’s aunt, explains that the disease takes away basic functions like eating, drinking, talking and moving. A federal petition has now been launched to declare May 17th National DIPG Awareness Day. It needs 10,000 signatures by August 16 and currently has just over 8,000. Ellsworth explains why having such a statement is important. He says it raises awareness and dialogue, as well as encourages funding for disease research. “I can speak for myself and I’m heartbroken,” Ellsworth says. He hopes that by raising awareness of the issue, a cure may be found that could prevent others from suffering such pain.
