What We Do

The Marystrong Foundation was created to honor the memory of Mary, whose life and passions inspire the Foundation’s work in both DIPG pediatric cancer advocacy and support for aspiring veterinarians. Our mission focuses on the following core activities:

1. Grantmaking for Pediatric Cancer Research (especially DIPG)

  • financial grants to nonprofit research institutions and hospitals for studies related to DIPG and other rare pediatric brain tumors.

2. Family Support and Advocacy

  • Care packages for children undergoing treatment

  • Emotional support, resources and referrals

  • Partnering in remembrance events and support networks for families

  • Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns

  • Education for children on brain cancer and medical terms

3. Educational Programs for Future Veterinarians

  • Scholarships for veterinary students

  • Partnering with veterinary schools, clinics and nonprofits to provide mentorship opportunities

  • Supporting public education about the intersection of veterinary and pediatric medicine, especially in comparative oncology and shared research benefits

  • Supporting and hosting events, classes and more to inspire and educate young people about veterinary medicine.

Why include Education Programs for Future Vets?

Veterinary community grants wish for animal-loving girl with cancer

Mary Stegmueller receives honorary veterinary degree, hands-on clinic training

Like many new veterinary graduates, Mary Stegmueller has a deep love of animals. The difference is she’s 7 years old.

Stegmueller was diagnosed at 4 with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a rare form of cancer that targets the brain stem. She’s fought her original nine-month prognosis for more than three years.

National Veterinary Associates’ (NVA) Community Pet Hospital’s (CPH) in Thornton, Colorado, has cared for her family’s cats for more than a decade. Stegmueller’s mother, Kristin, happened to mention at an appointment for their cat, Freyja, that her daughter’s dream is to be a veterinarian and she was worried Mary wouldn’t be able to achieve that.

Thank you to our Supporters!

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