Family-Funded Research Driving Global Hope for Kids with Cancer
May 12, 2026
In 2011, what began as a $156,000 research grant between Children’s Cancer Institute in Australia and The Cure Starts Now has grown into a powerful global partnership advancing hope for children diagnosed with the deadliest paediatric brain cancers. Today, The Cure Starts Now, together with the incredible partners of the DIPG/DMG Collaborative, has contributed more than $3 million to groundbreaking research into diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma ( DIPG ) and diffuse midline glioma ( DMG ). The…
A New Way to “Switch Off” DMG: How Dr. Tsai Is Targeting FOXR2
June 11, 2025
DIPG.org
This article originally appeared on DIPG.org Diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) are among the most aggressive pediatric brain tumours—and they’re notoriously difficult to treat. But thanks to new research led by Dr. Jessica Tsai at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles , scientists are exploring a way to “switch off” the cancer itself—right at the source. What’s Being Targeted? FOXR2 At the heart of this breakthrough is a gene called FOXR2 . This gene normally stays off in healthy brain tissue—but in…
Australian Children's Brain Cancer Conference: Advancing Research and Treatment
April 7, 2025
The Australian Children's Brain Cancer Conference is a pivotal annual event developed by the Children’s Brain Cancer Centre, the Children’s Hospital Foundation, and The Cure Starts Now Australia that is dedicated to advancing research, treatment, and support for children affected by brain cancer. Held in March, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia, this conference brought together leading scientists, medical professionals, and advocacy groups to collaborate on innovative solutions to improve survival…
Founder of The Cure Starts Now Australian Chapter Receives the Order of Australia Medal
January 27, 2022
Ren Pedersen was presented with the highest honour a citizen can receive for his work with The Cure Starts Now. Townsville, Queensland January 2022 –Ren Pedersen has dedicated the past decade of his life to funding research to find a cure for DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma), which his daughter Amy succumbed to in 2009. The Cure Starts Now (Australia), under Ren’s leadership has raised over $4 million dollars since it’s inception. Because of his selflessness and dedication to finding a…
Australian Researchers Find New Way to Target Deadly Childhood Cancer With CBL0137
April 14, 2021
The following work was supported by grants from The Cure Starts Now and the DIPG/DMG Collaborative. Research by Australian scientists could pave the way to a new treatment for a currently incurable brain cancer in children called Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, or DIPG . Affecting about 20 children in Australia each year, DIPG is a devastating disease with an average survival time of just nine months after diagnosis. The research, led by scientists at Children’s Cancer Institute and published…
Townsville's Greatest Ever Medical Achievement?
February 22, 2021
The Cure Starts Now (Australia) is based in Townsville and home of founder, Ren Pedersen. Ren’s 7yo daughter Amy passed away in 2009. This well known local business man immediately started his tireless journey to help find cures for the deadliest paediatric brain tumours, creating The Cure Starts Now (Australia). With over $1.5M raised locally in the past few years alone, life saving research results are now evident and gaining international recognition! LOCAL FUNDING ENABLES RESEARCHERS TO…
The Westmead Institute Grant for Research
November 20, 2019
The Westmead Institute News
The Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) was delighted to welcome representatives from The DIPG Collaborative, as they presented a research grant cheque for $146,298.29 to Dr Han Shen.
Gottardo-Symposium 2019
September 5, 2019
DIPG Symposium 2019
Dr Nick Gottardo speaks about the DIPG Symposium 2019.
Ziegler-Symposium 2019
September 1, 2019
DIPG Symposium 2019
Dr David Ziegler states "It feels like making a difference is actually finally achievable for DIPG".
Convoy For The Cure's Little Aussie Battler!
May 29, 2019
2019 Highlights of Townsville's Convoy for A Cure!
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