An 11-year-old girl with a rare and aggressive brain cancer is living in tents with her family so they can save money for her treatments. Katie Tanton was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) in January and has spent months in and out of the hospital.
Her father, Austin Tanton, described the diagnosis as a "parent's worst nightmare," noting that DIPG targets the brainstem, which controls essential functions like breathing and heart rate. The survival rate for DIPG is near zero, with most children living only nine to 11 months after diagnosis. The tumor's location makes surgical removal impossible.
Katie first experienced symptoms last year, including double vision and lightheadedness while running cross-country. Her mother, Breann Tanton, noticed persistent headaches and changes in Katie's eyes, leading to an emergency room visit where a mass was discovered on her brain stem. She began radiotherapy on February 18, her 11th birthday.
The family moved from Denham Springs, Louisiana, to Columbus, Ohio, to participate in a clinical trial at Nationwide Children's Hospital. To manage mounting costs and qualify for Ohio Medicaid, they began sleeping in tents. "I'm not going to lie, it's hot. It's not as much fun as it sounds, not when it's more than just a couple of nights," Breann Tanton said.
The Tantons told Unfiltered with Kiran that finding housing without jobs in Ohio proved difficult, leaving camping as their only immediate option. Katie has been pictured sleeping on an air mattress in their tent, accompanied by her teddy bear.
Despite the challenges, Katie has maintained a positive outlook. Recent MRI scans showed the tumor had shrunk but was also causing necrosis and brain swelling, exacerbating her daily symptoms. Cysts have formed on her cerebellum, worsening her condition. However, she has been seen hunting for fossils with her sisters and spending time with her family while camping.
To help manage the financial strain, Katie's parents began selling possessions and fundraising for a camper. Katie's aunt, Annie Normand, has started a fundraiser with a goal of $50,000, pledging to shave her head if the goal is met. She also got a tattoo of Katie's name on her arm as a reminder of her commitment.
Following media coverage, the non-profit organization Cajun Navy 2016 offered to cover the first four to six months of rent for a rental home once the family finds one. The organization also paid for the family to stay in a Cincinnati hotel and has booked them into an extended-stay suite until mid-August, with the hope they will secure a rental home for the remainder of the year. "Feels like we can breathe again for a bit for sure," Breann Tanton stated, expressing gratitude for the support.
Austin Tanton has shared his anguish on Facebook, writing about the devastating nature of DIPG and the fear of losing his daughter. He expressed the pain of watching other families face similar fates and the unbearable thought of his other daughters losing their sibling.