“My son, Liam, passed away 12 years ago. My husband and I struggled with our faith after he passed. I have not prayed since…until I heard about Philomena. Philomena was and is the miracle that brought us and so many people back to God. We will never stop praying.”
Prayer, Research & Awareness
Fighting DIPG: We Must Do Better
In loving memory of Philomena "Bean" Stendardo, we're funding critical research to end DIPG, a devastating pediatric brain cancer with a 0% survival rate.
A Disease Frozen in Time
In 1962, astronaut Neil Armstrong's 2-year-old daughter Karen died from DIPG. Today, over 60 years later, children receive the same treatment options with the same devastating outcome.
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Watch Bean's story and learn why we fight
0%
Survival Rate
No child has survived DIPG. Not yet. That is what we are here to change.
300+
Children Diagnosed Yearly
In the US alone, hundreds of families receive this devastating diagnosis every year.
<4%
Federal Funding
Childhood cancers receive a fraction of federal research dollars. Private funding is critical.
These numbers are why we fight, and why every dollar you give matters.
Our Inspiration
Philomena "Bean" Stendardo
2009 – 2017
Bean was a one-of-a-kind, spunky little firecracker who possessed an innate ability to spread joy and touch the hearts of anyone she met. A talented athlete and brilliant scholar, she loved going to school and playing with friends.
Diagnosed with DIPG at age seven, Bean fought valiantly while her family built a community of over 20,000 supporters who prayed for a miracle. Her courage inspired a movement—and this foundation.
"In Bean's honor, we're committed to spreading awareness and funding research so that every child with DIPG has the chance to live a full life."Read Bean's Full Story
Making a Difference
Our Impact
Every dollar raised goes directly to funding groundbreaking DIPG research. Here's what your support has made possible.
$0
Donated to DIPG Research
Thank you to every donor who made this possible
$400,000
DMG-ACT Clinical Trial
Supporting an adaptive clinical trial across 19 sites in the US and internationally.
$322,000
Philomena Research Initiative
Fully funded innovative research at the Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute.
$125,000
Stanford CAR-T Cell Trial
Funded a Nurse Practitioner position to expand this promising treatment to more patients.
Stronger Together
A Community United
What started as prayers for one little girl has grown into a movement of thousands, all committed to the same cause: finding a cure for DIPG.
“You and your family give me hope. Phil has truly brought togetherness and inspiration in my life without me ever meeting her. I no longer take things for granted…reading everyone’s posts and seeing her jokes of the day have enlightened me and restored my faith. God bless you all.”
“Phil and your family have truly reawakened my relationship with God and I thank you for that. I will never stop praying for your baby and your family. #Stormtheheavens.”
Upcoming Event
Bean's Ball 2026
Racing for a Cure
March 21, 2026 • 6:30 PM
Join us for our 8th annual gala, emceed by Fox 29's Bob Kelly. Enjoy live entertainment, top-shelf open bar, gourmet dinner by Executive Chef Earl Welsh, table games, and dancing—all while raising funds for DIPG research.
"There is no cause greater than the fight for our children's right to grow up to be adults."
Join the Fight for a Cure
Every child deserves the chance to grow up. Your donation funds research that brings us one step closer to ending DIPG forever.
Storm the Heavens Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Tax ID: 82-2521813 • All donations are tax-deductible.
