The world mourns the loss of Joules Smith, a vibrant six-year-old who captured hearts globally with her infectious spirit and love for dance. Joules, known affectionately as the “Dancing Queen” by her followers on TikTok, passed away on Monday, December 9th, after a courageous battle with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. Her father, Joe Smith, a popular TikTok creator (@gingerjoeandjoules), confirmed the devastating news in an emotional video shared across social media platforms.
A Family’s Heartbreak: Saying Goodbye to Joules
In a poignant TikTok video captioned “We love you our little dancing queen,” Joe Smith shared the heartbreaking news of Joules’ passing. He described the agonizing moment she passed away in the early hours of December 9th, cradled in the loving arms of her parents. The family had retreated from social media in the weeks leading up to Joules’ death to cherish every precious moment with their daughter. “We haven’t been on social media for the last couple weeks because we had to spend every single second with our beautiful princess Joules,” Joe shared, emphasizing that they never left her side.
Understanding DIPG: The Devastating Diagnosis
Joules’ DIPG diagnosis was first revealed by Joe in a TikTok video posted on May 27th. DIPG, or diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, is a highly aggressive and inoperable brain tumor that primarily affects children between the ages of 5 and 7. Located in the brainstem, which controls essential bodily functions such as breathing, heart rate, and sleeping, DIPG tumors are incredibly difficult to treat. According to DIPG.org, the prognosis for children diagnosed with this devastating disease is grim, with a median survival of only 9 months. A GoFundMe page established by a family friend to support Joules’ medical expenses confirmed the incurable nature of her cancer and the limited time she had left.
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Dancing for Joules: A Legacy of Hope and Inspiration
Despite the devastating diagnosis, Joules and her family faced the challenge with unwavering strength and determination. The GoFundMe campaign raised over £96,000 (approximately $116,000 USD), exceeding its initial goal. In October, Joe announced their intention to create videos raising awareness for childhood cancer, using the hashtag #dancingforjoules. Joules, with her radiant smile and passion for dance, encouraged others to join the movement, creating a wave of support and awareness across TikTok and other platforms.
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Carrying on the Dance: Honoring Joules’ Memory
Joe expressed immense pride in Joules, describing her as an inspiration to countless people worldwide. He vowed to continue raising awareness for DIPG and urged everyone to keep dancing in her honor. “If you’re going to do anything, please let’s carry on dancing for our beautiful little Joules because I know she will still be dancing,” he said. Since the announcement of her passing, Joe’s update video has garnered over 2 million views, and thousands have offered condolences. The #dancingforjoules hashtag continues to grow, with over 3,000 videos dedicated to Joules and her family, a testament to the profound impact she had on the online community.
Joules’ Send-Off: A Celebration of Life
Joe confirmed on TikTok that Joules’ “send-off” will be held on December 27th at The Garden of Eden Crematorium in Kent, England. He invited those who wish to pay their respects to join the family, requesting attendees to wear pink and blue, the colors of Stitch and Angel from the popular Disney movie “Lilo & Stitch,” or black. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity in Joules’ name as part of the ongoing #dancingforjoules campaign. This ensures her legacy continues to support vital research and care for children battling cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions about DIPG
What is DIPG? DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) is a highly aggressive and difficult-to-treat type of brain tumor that originates in the pons, a part of the brainstem.
What are the symptoms of DIPG? Symptoms can vary but often include double vision, facial weakness, difficulty walking, and problems with balance and coordination.
Is there a cure for DIPG? Currently, there is no known cure for DIPG, and treatment options are limited.
How can I help support DIPG research? Donating to organizations dedicated to DIPG research, such as The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, can contribute to finding better treatments and ultimately a cure for this devastating disease. You can also participate in awareness campaigns like #dancingforjoules to help spread the word and encourage further support.
