Thanks for visiting. This website is set up by John Bradley’s Family to provide information to our friends and community about John’s fight against Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). Please feel free to e-mail thinkjohnbradley@gmail.com if you would like to share photo, offer personal stories or send along a personal message to the family.
John was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor on Sunday, June 2nd, 2013. First signs of the tumor occurred around the middle of May. John started throwing up on a daily basis and complained of seeing double and being dizzy. It got to the point where he was unable to lift his chin off his chest, his balance really began to decline and his eyes started to float and go crossed, that is when Jesse and Alison decided to bring him to the ER at Boston Children’s Hospital. A MRI soon revealed a large, aggressive tumor in the pons region of the brain stem. Jesse and Alison were delivered the devastating news that John had a Diffused Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), an inoperable brain tumor affects less than 300 kids per year and yields just a 2% survival rate.
After the diagnosis the Family elected for a brain biopsy in order to get samples of the tissue. This vital information helped to determine John’s treatment options and will hopefully prove advantageous for John (and other children) in the future. On June 13th John traveled to Memphis, Tennessee to join a Phase I Trial Study at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He received six weeks (30 days) of radiation treatment, started his daily chemotherapy and received the highest level of care and support from these wonderful people. St. Jude is a remarkable place – the family was instantly embraced and the love and hope that exists within this facility in nothing short of inspirational.
John turned 7 years old on March 25th, 2014. He celebrated with his two little sisters, Clara (4.5 years old) and Elizabeth (12 months), and the rest of his loving family, including his big yellow dog named Jackson. Since the diagnosis the entire family has found great comfort and spirit in our friends, the community and this blog; always absorbing the positive vibes.
On the early morning of April 9th, 2014 John went to Heaven. His ten-month battle with DIPG was defined by courage and love. He found fun and happiness in every single day – and always found a way to make everyone around him smile and laugh. John was a sports fanatic, Boston sports specifically, and was deeply invested in his art work. John’s devotion to his family, friends and his artwork has inspired so many and will continue to provide courage, spirit and hope to a loving community.
We will spend our lives celebrating his, he has taught us all so much.
Think John Bradley 
Think of you every day bud when I wake. Wearing your band and praying for your speedy and complete recovery. Kevin & Jodi Sleeper
Hi John. We have not officially met but we watched you kick butt at soccer this season and I (Kali) just saw you playing on the 1st grade field trip! That sure was fun!! Thank you for the shirt that you gave Mikey, he loves it 🙂 we are glad that you are strong and continue to fight!! We will continue to pray for you 🙂 see you soon!
Dear John,
You do not know me but I have read a lot about you. My wife and I will continue to pray for you and your recovery. It is easy to tell that so many people love you!! Stay strong!
Torey and Melanie Krug
Dear John,
We have never met, but I know Your daddy and your Thompson grandparents. I just found out about you today and you will be in my prayers from now on. You look so much like your dad did when he was in my third grade class. I’ll bet that you smile a lot too. I’ll be checking on you and your family. You’re a handsome guy. Everyone is so proud of you. Me too. Keep up the good work.
My name is now Jane Quimby. I hope that some day we can meet.
Jane McGonagle and Sandra McGonagle celebrated JBT in Arizona. Sending lots of hugs your way! We had a great time remembering your Dad in third grade! He was an awesome student and kind friend! Love to all the Thompsons!
Dearest John, sending love and hugs your way! I went to high school with your dad – he is a wonderful person. You are so lucky to have him and he is so lucky to have you 🙂
I am so deeply sorry for your loss! I can not express how I feel for you, I will pray for you guys everyday.
My thoughts, prayers, and deepest heartfelt sympathy to the Thompson Family.
Exact same here
Courage.Spirit.Hope
Such an incredibly sad story, but mixed with inspirational support of family and friends. I’m a big fan ( and supporter ) of the St Jude Hodpital. RIP little man, God bless his family on this side. And Tyler Sullivan you’re at it again, you are gifted my friend.