RCD Legacy Ambassador Virginia and Pippa Rea
Supporting brain matters in memory of Pippa Rea
In March 2015, Virginia’s daughter Pippa, aged 11, died of a DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma), the most aggressive form of paediatric brain cancer, which only occurs in young children. Initially diagnosed in June 2013, Pippa was the inaugural recipient of the RCD Foundation’s Yoga and Music Therapy programs and won a special place in our hearts. Pippa’s tumour was donated post mortem to the RCH Tumour Tissue Bank, resulting in the sharing of live cell lines across the world for research into paediatric brain cancer. A trust recognising this important contribution has since been established in Pippa’s name at the Tissue Bank. In recognition and memory of Pippa, RCDF are the major annual contributor to the trust and its work into paediatric brain cancer research. Virginia continues to be an avid supporter, fundraiser and advocate of the RCD Foundation.