Fundraiser Planned for Family of 9-Year-Old Western MA Boy Who Succumbed to Brain Cancer

There are so many great things about living in a small community. One of those strongest assets comes when a family is in need we are really around them, especially when that family just went through the unthinkable, losing a child.

Pittsfield resident De'Moni Rose was just 9 years old when he and his parents Carlton and Sheena received the devastating news that every parent dreads. Doctors had diagnosed De'Moni with an inoperable brain tumor.

In the Summer of 2021, De'Moni went to his mom complaining of dizziness and she brought him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with childhood brain cancer known as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). DIPG is a brain tumor that is highly aggressive and very difficult to treat. It occurs in an area of the brainstem which controls many of the body’s most vital functions like breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate.

The worst part about DIPG is because of its location in the brain and how rapidly it progresses, DIPG is a “high grade” malignant brain tumor.

Just a year after his diagnosis, the beautiful young child succumbed to the horrible disease and now the community is rallying around his family to lift them up as they try to move on with their lives.

Over the past year, Carlton and Sheena, who friends describe as the most loving parents to both De' Moni and his younger sister, have spent every waking moment trying to love, support, and comfort their child during his short time left with them. Because of this work and finances took a back seat on the family's list of priorities.

In a post to social media, Pittsfield Police Officer Darren Derby shared that a fundraiser has been put together to help raise money to fix both family cars and get them safely on the road.

The Berkshire Dream Center at 475 Tyler St in Pittsfield will host a Chicken Parm Dinner this Saturday, July 9 from 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm. A $15 donation per plate is being asked, but children under five eat free.

If you are unable to make it but would still like to donate to the Rose Family, you can do so here.