U-M Health Rare Brain Tumor Patient -- Dane Van Ells

Dane Van Ells, a young Michigan State Police trooper, was diagnosed in 2022 with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) featuring a rare mutation.

Due to the tumor's aggressive nature and its location on his brain stem, doctors were unable to remove it and he was given a few years to live.

Van Ells began radiation and chemotherapy treatments immediately at the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center in Ann Arbor.

However, the treatments took a significant toll on his body, and the tumor made it difficult for him to walk and talk.

That’s when he turned to UM Health-Sparrow for help.

For more information about the leading-edge rehabilitation services provided at UM Health-Sparrow, visit UofMHealthSparrow.org/Rehab.