Maya Dronca's battle with brain cancer was a journey of unimaginable courage and strength. Diagnosed with bithalamic astrocytoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer, Maya faced her illness with grace and determination. Despite the median survival time for DIPG being just nine months, Maya's indomitable spirit allowed her to fight for 14 months. Her bravery and resilience continue to inspire us every day.

In honor of Maya's incredible spirit, the Maya Dronca Foundation was established to continue her legacy of helping others. Our mission is to advance childhood cancer research by supporting brilliant scientists committed to bold and innovative ideas that can transform the fight against this devastating disease. We are dedicated to funding research that aims to find cures for various forms of childhood cancer, not just DIPG.

Cancer remains the leading cause of death from disease among children, with over 10,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the United States alone. Many pediatric cancers are more aggressive and challenging to treat than their adult counterparts, and the causes of most childhood cancers remain unknown. While there has been progress in treating some types of childhood cancer, many still lack effective treatments and remain underfunded.

Maya's dream was to become a doctor, specifically an oncologist, to help those battling cancer. Though she was with us for only a short time, her strength, compassion, and love have left a lasting impact. Through the foundation, we aim to raise awareness and funds in her memory to support meaningful research and help find cures for childhood cancers. We are committed to ensuring that the researchers we fund are held accountable for their results and the impact of their studies.

Maya, we will keep your light shining and continue your legacy by helping others. Your spirit inspires us to fight for a future where no child has to suffer from cancer. We are proud of you, and we will always carry your love and determination in our hearts.