Influencer Jennifer Burnham Reveals Son Baxter's Cause of Death: Diffuse Midline Glioma
California-based influencer Jennifer Burnham shared a video detailing her four-year-old son Baxter's battle with a rare and aggressive brain tumor.
Influencer Jennifer Burnham has revealed that her four-year-old son, Baxter, died from a diffuse midline glioma, a rare and aggressive form of brain and spinal cord tumor. Burnham, who is based in California, shared the news in a video posted to Instagram on Thursday.
Burnham explained that Baxter had been a healthy and happy child before being diagnosed with a brain tumor in April. The first sign was when he began crossing his left eye. Following medical advice and scheduling an MRI, the family received the devastating diagnosis.
She described diffuse midline glioma as "essentially the worst type of brain tumor that you can have... it's inoperable, meaning it's incurable." Baxter underwent surgery to remove part of the tumor, followed by targeted radiation. His parents also explored various alternative therapies, including trips to Europe for experimental treatments, but ultimately their efforts were unsuccessful.
"It's so difficult to watch your child going through something like this and you're literally helpless. It's every parent's worst nightmare," Burnham stated, reflecting on the six months her family endured the difficult situation. She expressed pride in Baxter's strength and fighting spirit until his final day.
Burnham shared her experience in the hope of helping other families facing similar challenges. "No person should go through this alone and we fought so hard and we did everything," she said, adding that she finds comfort in knowing Baxter is no longer suffering and is in a better place.
Earlier in the week, Burnham had posted a compilation video of Baxter, sharing a tribute that read, "Heaven welcomed our angel Baxter on Monday, October 5." She described him as her "dream come true" with an "angelic face and the sweetest personality," noting his love for family, cars, and chocolate chip cookies.
Burnham, who has over 96,000 followers on social media, focuses her content on lifestyle, motherhood, and cooking. She had celebrated Baxter's fourth birthday in January with a Hot Wheels-themed party.