Brelynn Beck to host Princess Protection Program to bring awareness to DIPG

Vicksburg’s own Brelynn Beck is hosting a fundraiser, Princess Protection Program, as part of her social impact initiative for Miss Mississippi to help raise awareness for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG).

DIPG is something very personal to Beck. Having suffered the loss of a family member to it has weighed heavy on the family. “My cousin went through it. She passed away from it,” said Beck.

According to dipg.org, DIPG “is a type of brain tumor found in an area of the brainstem known as the pons. The name diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma describes how the tumor grows, where it is found, and what kinds of cells give rise to the tumor.”

Beck decided to raise awareness by doing something she hasn’t done before, hosting a fundraiser.

“I’m kind of nervous. I’ve never done anything like this before,” said Beck.

But, with the help of her mother, family and friends, she’s more confident about it.

“My cousin, she’s closer with the family member that passed from DIPG, and she’s done fundraisers for her when she was still here, so she has experience with this. Also, Larry Walker with Picture This Selfie Studio is also helping me with this.”

Princess Protection Program will offer fun activities for the children while also giving them education into DIPG.

“At the event, the girls are going to come in and get their pictures taken individually and if they want pictures together, they can get pictures together. We’re also going to do their hair, makeup and nails. We’re going to go over the etiquette of being a princess and spend time playing games with their friends,” said Beck. “At the end, that’s when I’m going to sit everyone down and tell everyone a little bit about my social impact.”

Beck plans to offer education on what DIPG is and how it can affect those children who have it.

“This event is to teach the children about DIPG because it normally happens in children. So it is education on DIPG and how it affects a child’s life when they get it,” said Beck.

Princess Protection Program will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 8 at Picture This Selfie Studio. The entry fee is $10 per person.

Those wishing to support the initiative but cannot attend can donate to the GoFundMe campaign.

Beck encourages everyone to dress up as their favorite princess and join the event.