CRIS Contra el Cáncer has turned the sky of Spain into the setting for a major mobilization to research one of the most aggressive childhood brain tumors. The "May the monster not extinguish their stars" initiative already brings together twenty activities in twelve autonomous communities and will remain open until next September 30.
Telescope observations, workshops, informative talks, and astronomical walks will be part of a program open to all citizens. Andalusia, Aragon, Asturias, Canary Islands, Catalonia, Castilla y León, Community of Madrid, Extremadura, Navarra, La Rioja, Basque Country, and Balearic Islands will host the first calls, while new proposals continue to be incorporated.
All money raised will be used to finance a new research project on diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, known as DIPG. This tumor appears in an area of the brain that controls vital functions such as breathing, movement, balance, and swallowing. Its location prevents it from being surgically removed in most cases.
Each year, between 40 and 50 new cases are diagnosed in Spain. The average survival after diagnosis is eleven months, around 10% of patients are still alive at two years, and barely 1% survive five.
"DIPG remains one of the biggest challenges in pediatric oncology. Research is the only way to develop new treatments and offer more opportunities to children diagnosed with this disease. With this initiative, we want to involve all of society and demonstrate that anyone can contribute to promoting research," explains Jesús Sánchez, Head of Scientific Projects at CRIS Contra el Cáncer.
A network of solidarity astronomy
The campaign has united families, patients, astronomical associations, observatories, disseminators, companies, and local administrations. The Federation of Astronomical Associations of Spain, which groups 104 entities, participates in extending the activities throughout the country.
The initiative is part of the "The Monster in my Head" campaign, promoted by CRIS Contra el Cáncer, Blanca Borrell Foundation, Unidos Contra el DIPG Association, Martín Álvarez Foundation, and El Sueño de Vicky. In recent years, research has opened new lines based on immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and oncolytic viruses, whose development needs funding to reach patients.
The updated map of observations, the registration of new activities, and the official donation platform are available on the campaign website.
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