“Everybody” loves Tato Nut in Ocean Springs! You drive by in the mornings and their line out the door rivals The Shed’s for sure.  Tato Nut and the Mohler family that own it has been making their nationally famous donuts for as long as most folks can remember. 

Tragedy struck this family September 7^th of this year when a brain tumor called

DIPG took the life of Theresa and David Mohler’s 8-year-old daughter Sophia.

Not only did the Mohler family mourn but all of Ocean Springs as well.  Beautiful pink bows lined the streets; gifts and flowers were placed on the doorstep of Tato Nut and the feeling downtown was prayerful.    

A Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) is a tumor located in the middle of the brain stem. The brain stem is the bottom most portion of the brain, connecting the cerebrum with the spinal cord. These tumors grow amidst the nerves and therefore are not able to be surgically removed.

The median overall survival of children diagnosed with DIPG is approximately 9 months. These statistics make it one of the most devastating pediatric malignancies. Sophia lived 1 year and 2 weeks after her diagnosis. 

Research is desperately needed to stop DIPG. Research in pediatric cancer from the federal government has been declining.

On December 11^th the Mohler family, Hands on Mississippi, a non-profit volunteer driven organization, The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint and the people of Ocean Springs are uniting to hold a benefit in the name of Sophia Mohler to raise funds to go directly to this much needed research.  100% of monies raised will be sent to Tufts Hospital in Boston to go directly DIPG research.  Tuft’s hospital will match the amount that will be raised. 

Please join us at the Ocean Spring’s Civic Center on Hwy 90, December 11^th for a celebration of Sophia’s life and for this worthy cause.