Support Charlie's Battle with DIPG

Help Charlie Fight DIPG

Dear Friends, Family, and Compassionate Strangers,

We are reaching out with heavy hearts and a plea for your support. My name is Stephani and my sweet, precocious 7-year-old niece, Charlie (Charlotte Elizabeth) has been diagnosed with DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma), a rare and aggressive brain tumor. Just 2 weeks ago life was good. Charlie took an amazing day trip with her family to the Monterey Aquarium. A normal, healthy little girl excitedly preparing for her first day back to school. Two days later, after falling out of bed in the middle of the night, Charlie complained about a headache and feeling dizzy. Worried that it might be a concussion, her parents took her on what they thought would be a quick trip to the ER. They never imagined they would hear the words brain cancer. This news has turned our world upside down, and we are now in a race against time to give Charlie the best chance possible and we are determined to do everything in our power to do just that.

About Charlie

Charlie is a bright, vibrant, funny and joyful little girl. She shares an incredible bond with her 16 year old brother, Cameron. The two are inseparable, and Charlie looks up to Cameron with such admiration and love. Her loving parents David and Kate Shawver are her biggest fans and supporters . She loves her school, her teachers and all her friends and was looking forward to 2nd grade. She has the biggest heart, she even won an award for being "nicest" in her class. She loves singing (she creates her own songs), playing the piano, cuddling with her dogs Mango and Django, unicorns and of course ice cream. Her smile lights up every room she walks into, and her courage in the face of this diagnosis is nothing short of inspiring.

The Road Ahead

DIPG is a particularly challenging condition to treat, with limited treatment options and a tough prognosis. However, we are not giving up hope. Charlie’s medical team is exploring all possible treatments, including clinical trials, experimental therapies, and palliative care to help manage symptoms and improve her quality of life. We are determined to explore every possible avenue to give Charlie the fighting chance she deserves. Within this first week of diagnosis Charlie has already endured a strict regimen of steroid medications as well as the pain of surgeries—the first being a brain biopsy to identify the specific genetic mutations driving this relentless tumor. Next, she will begin a grueling six-week course of radiation therapy, with the hope that it will slow the tumor's aggressive growth and give her some relief from the symptoms that are beginning to take hold.

The financial burden of this journey is overwhelming. Between medical bills, travel expenses for treatment, and the need for constant care, the costs are quickly adding up. This is where we humbly ask for your help.

Right now, Charlie is facing the biggest challenge of her young life. With her condition being so rare and aggressive, her treatment plan is evolving quickly. We are preparing for a long road ahead, filled with frequent hospital visits, potential relocation for specialized care, and the ongoing need for therapies to manage her symptoms. These realities are daunting, but they are necessary to give Charlie the best chance at a longer and better-quality life. The emotional toll is significant, but so is the financial strain. Charlie’s parents, David and Kate, are doing everything they can to stay strong for her and Cameron The mounting costs of care, travel, and daily needs will create an overwhelming burden. Any support—whether it's a donation or simply spreading the word—can help ease this burden, allowing the family to focus on what truly matters: being there for Charlie. *

How You Can Help

We have created this GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for Charlie’s treatment and care and comfort. Every donation, no matter the size, will go directly toward covering her medical expenses, travel costs for treatments, and other necessary expenses to ensure Charlie gets the best care possible.

If you are unable to contribute financially, we ask that you please share Charlie’s story with your friends, family, and on social media. Your prayers, well wishes, and positive thoughts are also deeply appreciated as we navigate this difficult time.

Thank You

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your support, generosity, and kindness. Charlie is a fighter, and with your help, we believe that we can make a difference in her battle against DIPG. Together, we can give her the love and support she needs to keep fighting.

With gratitude and hope,

Stephani Resnick and the entire Shawver Family