The inaugural Relay for Jack, hosted at Vasquez Canyon Natural Area, raised money and awareness towards treatments for DIPG, the leading cause of death among pediatric cancer patients.

A total of 38 runners of all ages traversed the multiple courses laid out for them.

DIPG, otherwise known as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, is a type of cancer that produces an inoperable tumor on a child’s brain stem. The disease is fatal, and radiation or chemotherapy can only push out the life expectancy of a victim to nine months.

The event was hosted by the Jack’s Angels foundation, which was founded by Janet Demeter after her son, Jack, died from the disease.

“One of the most neglected pediatric cancers is DIPG,” said Demeter. “Hundreds of families are just told they have to accept that they have to watch their child die, because (there is no effective treatment).”

The event, she said, is designed to grow as more people became involved and learn about DIPG and the plight facing hundreds of children who die because of it.

“This year, It’s mostly through people I know and the (southern California) cancer community, but I can’t tell you how many local businesses have donated their services and sponsorships,” Demeter said. “They knew about jack and they knew our story and they care. And that’s why we have a successful event today.”

The money raised will go to a pediatric cancer research project by the nonprofit biotech company, Children’s Cancer Therapy Development Institute. The treatment, called “Jack’s Pebbles,” implants a microchip into the tumor DIPG produces around the brain stem, releasing combinations of medicine directly into the tumor and monitoring the results. This way, the most effective medication can be given to each child who suffers from the disease.

“I hope people realize that even by paying a small registration fee (to run), they are helping really cool cancer research,” said Demeter.

Jack’s Pebbles is currently in its first clinical trial.

Several local politicians attended the event to offer their support. Congressman Steve Knight, Assemblyman Scott Wilk and Mayor Pro Tem Dante Acosta all attended.

Wilk authored a bill in 2014 that declared the last week of may as DIPG Awareness week. Congressman Steve Knight has put a resolution in front of the House of Representatives this year to designate the week nationally as DIPG Awareness week. No action has been taken on that bill yet.

“This is truly about making sure people know what is happening,” said Knight. “Nobody knows what DIPG is when I talk about it. They all start saying ‘that’s something we should be working on.”

Wilk added that as more people learn about the disease, the closer researchers get to findin a cure.

“Five years from now, wait until you see how big this event will be,” he said to the runners. “You were here at the genesis, and we salute you for that.”