SFA News
“I refuse to let cancer win. Cancer will not determine how I live.” -Brittany Symonds A sarcoma diagnosis can have a life changing impact on the lives of those in our communities, but one of our advocates and Race to Cure Sarcoma Tampa participants is showing us that we do not have to let this diagnosis take away from us what we love in life. Brittany Symonds was diagnosed in summer of 2015 with leiomyosarcoma in her leg after she was injured when playing softball. This led to more than 11 surgeries, radiation, multiple scans, and having to face the… Read More »
The Sarcoma Foundation of America joined more than 50 other cancer organizations on letters to Congress and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar calling on legislators and the Administration to ensure that cancer patients have access to health coverage and treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The letters address pressing needs including oral chemotherapy parity, access to 90-day supplies of medications, and reliable access to telehealth services. Letter to Congress Letter of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA) held a live, online session with a panel of sarcoma experts to discuss the impact the coronavirus pandemic is having on sarcoma patients and survivors. Panelists Brian Van Tine, MD, PhD, Washington University in St. Louis, Kurt Weiss, MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and Breelyn Wilky, MD, University of Colorado Cancer Center, answered questions submitted by the sarcoma community. The panelists shared input on issues related to how on patients can communicate with their physicians on the risks and benefits of current care and treatment… Read More »
Like most of you, the Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA) has been closely following news regarding the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. While many questions remain regarding the impact that it will have in the United States, SFA is following recommended protocol to help stop the spread by closing our office and teleworking. SFA will continue our efforts to advocate for sarcoma patients and their families and is still available to serve as a resource to the sarcoma community. You can reach the SFA by phone at 301-253-8687 or by email at [email protected]. We are evaluating upcoming events and will be announcing… Read More »
By Brandi Felser, Executive Director Twenty years later, SFA continues to be a voice and leader for the sarcoma community. Twenty years ago, before SFA, not much attention was paid to sarcoma. There were few treatment options, and no organization or institution focused on developing new therapies or expediting new treatments for patients. Sarcoma was a forgotten cancer. Fast forward 20 years. Sarcoma awareness has substantially increased, more, though not nearly enough, therapies are available, and innovative and novel agents such as immune-oncology are beginning to be applied to sarcoma. And SFA has shown that we have the ability to… Read More »
By Brandi Felser, Executive Director In my very first days on the job as the new Executive Director of the Sarcoma Foundation of America, I had the opportunity to experience first-hand the power of the sarcoma community. For the first time ever, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was reviewing for approval a proposed drug for the treatment of epithelioid sarcoma, a particularly rare and aggressive subtype of sarcoma. Epithelioid sarcoma has few effective treatment options and patients are often left with little or no hope for long-term survival. As a part of the approval process, the benefits of… Read More »
DAMASCUS, Md. – February 3, 2020 – The Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA), an organization dedicated to increased research, awareness and advocacy for sarcoma, announces Brandi Felser as its new Executive Director. Felser joins the SFA with more than 20 years of experience in non-profit development and management. Felser, most recently Chief Operating Officer – Chief of Staff of the National Breast Cancer Coalition, also brings to the SFA a strong background in cancer research advocacy, making her well positioned to lead the organization’s mission to advocate for sarcoma patients by funding research and increasing awareness about this rare… Read More »
Thanks to you, the Sarcoma Foundation of America has made significant investments in innovative research for new sarcoma therapies, advancing us toward a cure in our time. In 2019, SFA awarded close to $2 million in research funding, making us the leading supporter of sarcoma research in our community. Our research investments have been a catalyst to significant progress. But we know there is still much left to do. Your year-end gift will help us continue to be the leading voice for patients, survivors, and caregivers, bring more awareness to sarcoma, and make important investments in innovative research. Donate now and continue… Read More »
The Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA) is proud to have partnered with the My Pediatric and Adult Rare Tumor (MyPART) Network, a project coordinated through the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Center for Cancer Research (CCR). The MyPART Network is a group of patients, family members, researchers, advocates, and healthcare providers who are working together to find treatments for childhood, teen, and young adult rare solid tumors. MyPART believes that working together will help accelerate the discovery of treatments for rare cancer. The MyPART Networkwas established to bring together patients, their family members, healthcare providers, patient advocates, and researchers to… Read More »
For complete instructions and guidelines, please review the 2020 Funding Opportunity Announcement PDF. Information can also be found in the Grants FAQ. Interested parties may begin submitting grant applications on Tuesday, October 1, 2019. Grants will be reviewed by the SFA Medical Advisory Board immediately following the application deadline of 5:00 pm EST on January 31, 2020. Researchers must submit proposals electronically at proposalCENTRAL. First-time users will be required to register and complete a professional profile in order to apply for an SFA research grant. The SFA does not accept applications via e-mail.
Due to the rarity of the disease, many people are not aware of sarcoma until diagnosis. The Sarcoma Foundation of America and the sarcoma community aim to change that by bringing awareness to the disease. Our newest Public Service Announcement campaign, titled “Sarcoma Heroes,” shares the message of all of the heroes who are working to make difference and encourages listeners to join forces with them in the fight to cure sarcoma. Listen to the PSAs: “Sarcoma Heroes” 60 Second PSA “Sarcoma Heroes” 30 Second PSA The PSAs are also available at www.curesarcoma.org/sfa-in-the-news/. You can be a part of the effort… Read More »
If you have ever received a sarcoma diagnosis, our colleagues at The Cancer Support Community need your help. Read their message below to learn how you can share your thoughts on what matters most to those living with cancer. Subject: Help us understand what matters most to people with cancer! The Cancer Support Community (CSC) is looking for people to help develop a new tool to understand what matters most to people living with cancer. Please consider participating if you have ever received a cancer diagnosis, are at least 18 years old, and can read English. Participants who complete the survey… Read More »
Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer and typically produces malignant tumors derived from the connective tissue. There are more than 70 sarcoma types and subtypes. Soft Tissue Sarcoma Soft tissue sarcoma broadly defines cancers that develop in the body’s soft tissues (i.e. muscles, tendons, fat, lymph vessels, blood vessels, and nerves). While these cancers are most commonly found in the head, neck, arms, legs, chest, and abdomen, they can develop anywhere in the body. There are various different types of soft tissue sarcoma, and depending on the type of soft tissue the cancer started in, the cells will look… Read More »
DAMASCUS, Md. – June 27, 2019 – The Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA), an organization dedicated to increased research and awareness for sarcoma, today announced that it has awarded three quarters of a million dollars in research funds to deserving scientists as part of its 2019 SFA Research Grant program. Fifteen research grants, each worth $50,000, have been awarded to researchers who have made it their mission to study sarcoma, a cancer that arises in the body’s soft tissue and bone. All proposals are peer reviewed by members of the SFA Medical Advisory Board who award the grants to the… Read More »
By Thomas Rank, Guest Contributor Why do I ride? On a warm day in the summer of 2015, I arrived at my first cross country practice. The team always met at the local park shelter before practice where the summer breeze would often compliment the harmonious symphony of chatter and laughter between teammates. Suddenly, the talking would cease and our coach, who in his own right is a great man and leader, would begin his speech about the daily agenda. While listening, I couldn’t help but notice Ben Harmon have a smile across his face. He raised his hand and… Read More »
The Sarcoma Foundation of America is excited to announce that we have partnered with Inspire to bring a new online support community to sarcoma patients, survivors, and caregivers. Sarcoma Connect provides a secure space where those impacted by sarcoma can anonymously chat, share experiences, ask questions, and receive support from those who understand what they are going through. We invite you to join the discussion and connect with others at inspire.com/groups/sarcomaconnect/.
DAMASCUS, Md. – November 1, 2018 – The Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA), the leading organization dedicated to increased research and awareness for sarcoma, today announced two research grants awarded to projects focused on the study of uterine leiomyosarcoma. Uterine leiomyosarcoma is a rare subtype of sarcoma, a cancer that occurs in soft tissue and bone. Made possible by the generosity of the Dr. Richard and Valerie Aronsohn Memorial Fund, these awards support investigative efforts by leading sarcoma researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Stanford University. These research projects are eligible for renewal, potentially bringing the SFA’s overall investment… Read More »
By Elizabeth Brown, Guest Contributor My name is Elizabeth Brown and I am 14 years old. I have a twin brother named Matthew. Our good friend and classmate was recently diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, and we wanted to show our support by doing something that would benefit him and all people fighting sarcoma. We knew that we could make a difference through our talents of music. I play classical guitar, violin, and sing, and Matthew plays piano and organ. Together, we organized the St. Mark Young Artists Concert series to benefit the Sarcoma Foundation of America. We performed a variety… Read More »
For Sarcoma Awareness Month, Epizyme has developed an infographic to spread awareness for epithelioid sarcoma. Click here to download the infographic in its entirety.
DAMASCUS, Md. – May 10, 2018 – The Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA), an organization dedicated to increased research and awareness for sarcoma, today announced that it has awarded half a million dollars in research funds to deserving scientists as part of its 2018 SFA Research Grant program. Ten research grants, each worth $50,000, have been awarded to researchers who have made it their mission to study sarcoma, a cancer that arises in the body’s soft tissue and bone. All proposals are peer reviewed by members of the SFA Medical Advisory Board who award the grants to the best, most… Read More »
Kenneth Cardona, MD, FACS, Associate Professor of Surgery, Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University Race to Cure Sarcoma™ Atlanta What inspired you to specialize in sarcoma? The rarity and complexity of this disease in combination with our limited treatment options outside of surgical therapy inspired me to focus my advanced surgical training in surgical oncology on this unique disease. What is the focus of the research performed in your lab? I am the lead and principal investigator of the Unites States Sarcoma Collaborative, which is a multi-institutional research effort amongst 8 academic institutions across the US studying this rare… Read More »
DAMASCUS, Md. – March 1, 2018 – The Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA) today announced that renown orthopedic surgeon James C. Wittig, MD, is the 2018 recipient of the organization’s prestigious Nobility in Science Award. Dr. Wittig is being recognized for his contributions to sarcoma cancer research, treatment, education, and advocacy during a ceremony at the SFA’s 16th Annual fundraising event, Stand Up to Sarcoma, on Thursday, May 3, 2018, at Guastavino’s in Manhattan. The Nobility in Science Award is given to an outstanding scientist who is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge of sarcoma and works tirelessly to find new… Read More »
Excitement for the 2018 Race to Cure Sarcoma™ season is building as we head into what will no doubt be our biggest and best year yet! The Race to Cure Sarcoma™ remains the premier run/walk series in the United States focused on raising awareness and research funds for sarcoma. Organized by the Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA), the Race to Cure Sarcoma™ is made up of family-friendly 5K run/walks held in cities across the nation. Last year, nearly 3,500 people participated in the Race to Cure Sarcoma™. What makes the 2018 Race to Cure Sarcoma™ so exciting? … Read More »
We are nearing the end of the first month of 2018 and the sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA) is grateful for everything that you’ve done in 2017. Your work makes a difference in the lives of sarcoma patients and their families While we can’t wait to see what the rest of 2018 will bring, we first want to take a moment to look back on the previous year. Thanks to your support and generosity, the Sarcoma Foundation of America had an exceptional 2017! In 2017, your gifts: Funded more than three quarters of a million dollars in sarcoma research. … Read More »
William K. Decker, PhD, Associate Professor, Baylor College of Medicine 2016 Pittsburgh Cure Sarcoma Co-Founder Carl Firetto Memorial Research Award: “Outbred Canine Model of Adjuvant Immunotherapy for Angiosarcoma” PLEASE DESCRIBE THE FOCUS OF THE RESEARCH PERFORMED IN YOUR LAB. We study the basic immunobiology of dendritic cells and the manner by which this critical cell subtype orchestrates TH polarization. TH polarization sounds complicated – and it is – but can be explained relatively easily. The adaptive immune system makes two main types of fundamentally different immune responses. One of these responses, termed TH2, is aimed at eliminating pathogens that… Read More »