McKinlis Mission for DIPG Awareness Mission Statement:

McKinli’s Mission for DIPG Awareness is committed to raising awareness, supporting families, and funding research for DIPG. Inspired by McKinli’s courage, we aim to bring hope to those affected and help fight for a cure.

All About McKinli “Mack” Bauer

McKinli “Mack” Bauer is a bright, vivacious, sassy but oh so sweet 5-year-old little girl who recently graduated from Pre-K at Moss Bluff Elementary. McKinli never met a stranger and anyone who met her instantly fell in love with her. She loves to dance and hopes to once day become a Broncette, and a Cowgirl Kicker.   A few weeks ago, Mack began showing concerning symptoms facial drooping, difficulty walking, and slurred speech Braedon (her mother) very concerned brought her to several doctors’, appointment, ER visits and the diagnosis was always the same “Normal”. But as any mother would Braedon know something was not right with her daughter so on June 5, 2025, they headed to Houston to Texas Children’s hospital and within one hour an MRI had been done and they received the news no parents ever wish to hear, Mack had a brain tumor.

That Friday they placed a shunt in her brain which relieved lots of pressure and gave answers to Braedon as to why Mack had been behaving and acting different ways. That Saturday at CT scan with contrast was done and on Monday a biopsy was taken which only confirmed the most devastating news, McKinli has a rare and terminal Brain Tumor called DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma), a rare and aggressive brain tumor located in the brainstem. DIPG affects the nerves that control vital functions like breathing, heart rate, and movement. It is considered one of the most devastating childhood cancers, with no known cure and a life expectancy of only 9 to 12 months after diagnosis. Because of the tumor’s delicate location, surgical removal is not possible, and treatment is limited to radiation, which only temporarily relieves symptoms. Despite this heartbreaking diagnosis, McKinli and her family are fighting with everything they have, holding on to hope, faith, and the strength of their community. On June 18, 2025, they were able to come home for the weekend and enjoy a BBQ with family and friends before leaving again, but this time to head to Memphis, Tennessee to St. Jude’s where McKinli is receiving the most exceptional care from some of the best doctors around the world. On July 1, 2025, she began radiation which she will continue to have 5 days a week for 6 weeks.  But Mckinli, despite being sick from the radiation, is still one of the bravest and determined little girls I know. She’s fierce, brave, and she’s a fighter, and you can see the determination on her face every day, and she pushes through whatever little challenges this DIPG is throwing her way. We are her Support Squad!!!

We ask that you keep the family and McKinli in your thoughts and prayers during this time.

Braedon is not able to  work right now and is in need of all the love and support she can get.  We have a go fund me set up there is a link below you can click on to donate but you can also donate right here from the website. Anything will help with bills, medical expenses, travel, food and just everyday needs. No donation big or small, will go unnoticed or unappreciated and the family thanks everyone who has donated or who has kept them in your prayer during this time

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