KAREN WYCKOFF REIN IN SARCOMA FOUNDATION

A sarcoma cancer diagnosis is particularly shattering for most patients as they rarely have heard of this type of cancer and feel they will wage their personal war against the disease without much public knowledge or community support. Rein in Sarcoma is a 10 year old all volunteer organization that supports these individuals in their battles against sarcoma cancers.

OUR MISSION IS SIMPLE:

• Find a cure for sarcoma cancers (Raise funds for research, primarily through the Masonic Cancer Center of the University of Minnesota)

• Educate physicians and public about sarcoma cancers

• Support sarcoma survivors and families directly affected by sarcoma

With its three-pronged commitment to sarcoma research, support, and education, the Foundation reaches over 2,000 people annually and has raised over $900,000.

SARCOMA CANCERS

Sarcomas are highly malignant and rare types of cancers that occur in the connective tissues of the body. Approximately 9,800 new cases of soft tissue and bone sarcoma are diagnosed each year in the United States. While rare among adults (less than 2% of all adult cancers), sarcoma cancers are among the top five most commonly diagnosed cancers affecting children.

OUR STORY

While the $900,000 raised by the Foundation during these ten years is significant, the money is only a small part of our story.

• It is the story of all who came to celebrate life and hope with the dedicated doctors, nurses and volunteers at our annual sarcoma picnic which attracts over 450 sarcoma patients, survivors and loved ones from five states. And one survivor recounted: “My wife and I shared a table with another survivor my age and her husband. Sharing our stories over dinner energized me, gave me more hope, and helped me release anxiety.”

• It is the story of a newly diagnosed sarcoma patient who sat in fear at one of our RIS Gathering held twice a year for sarcoma patients and survivors. She turned to the sarcoma survivor next to her, who had the same type of sarcoma cancer she is now battling and asked, “And how long have you been dealing with the wretched disease.” He responded. – “Twenty-one years” Tears of joy filled her face as she found both support and hope sitting in front of her.

• It is the story of Sarcoma survivor and RIS board member Lisa Griebel who writes on the RIS website: “The words, 'Sarcoma Cancer' were not in my vocabulary before January 2006. And until I learned about Karen Wyckoff and Rein in Sarcoma, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. This organization has provided great information and much needed support especially when I didn’t know I needed it.”

BEYOND FUNDING RESEARCH

Beyond the half million dollars granted by the fund for sarcoma cancer research at the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, RIS has been the catalyst for greatly expanded sarcoma cancer research and treatment.

For example in 2001, there were 7 clinical sarcoma faculty at the U of M Medical School, now there are 12 (5 of which are a direct result of KWRISF funding).

In 2001 there were no scientists among the sarcoma faculty; now there are 5 (4 funded through KWRISF).

Beyond this 5 new scientific collaborators have been added including 2 which are KWRISF supported; this was made possible by collaboration with two other funds, as the first all University sarcoma “Brainstorm Awards.”

Simply put, the Rein n Sarcoma Foundation has been the major impetus to encourage a truly dedicated faculty to make sarcoma treatment and research a major priority of the University of Minnesota and its Cancer Center.

JOIN US

We are the story of each sarcoma survivor who brings a new level of energy and hope to all those touched by sarcoma. Research, fellowship, support, and caring are a powerful mix. That excitement is leading us to plans for more patient support, more research, and new ways to communicate with medical personnel about the importance of early and accurate sarcoma diagnosis and management.

None of this would have been possible without the efforts hundreds of volunteers and the support of over 2,000 contributors, supporters, corporate sponsors, sarcoma patients and loved ones.

Join us through your donation, by volunteering, or by attending the 2012 Rein in Sarcoma event at Cafesjian's Carousel in Como Park next July 23. Check our website for more details.