Rein In Sarcoma

Many people with whom I talk have never heard of sarcoma. As I may have described in a previous post, sarcomas are cancers of the connective tissues (muscles, bones, fat, and in my case, nerves). Sarcomas are rare, comprising only 2% of adult cancer diagnoses, but they are one of the top five cancers affecting children. There are many types of sarcomas, all with different treatments and prognoses.

Because sarcomas are rare and not well-known, there is not as much research - or as much funding for such research - to find a cure than for more well-known cancers. There are multiple foundations with the mission of promoting awareness and research for sarcomas. These include the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative, the first website I found that gave me reason for hope after reading many dismal things about MPNST, the Amschwand Sarcoma Foundation, and Rein in Sarcoma, a local organization.

www.reininsarcoma.org

Rein in Sarcoma was founded by Karen Wyckoff and her family shortly before she died from synovial sarcoma in 2001. It is the largest sarcoma foundation in the Upper Midwest, dedicated to sarcoma research, support, and education, often working with University of Minnesota physicians and researchers. Since it was established, Rein in Sarcoma has raised $800,000.

Tomorrow night, July 25th, is Rein in Sarcoma's largest annual event, Party in the Park. This is an event to honor survivors, remember those lost, and raise money for sarcoma research. It's held at Como Park and includes music, entertainment, "family fun," and a silent auction. In addition, Scott, my parents, and I will be attending a family picnic, at which I'm planning to meet Jody, an MPNST survivor, and also hoping to meet Ruth Bachman, a very inspiring woman who had her arm amputated in 2003 to save her life after being diagnosed with histiocytoma (www.ruthbachman.com).

So, if you find yourself in the St. Paul area tomorrow evening, please consider attending and supporting Rein in Sarcoma.