About Rein in sarcoma foundation
Rein in Sarcoma Foundation: A Beacon of Hope for Sarcoma Patients and Families
Sarcomas are a rare and complex group of cancers that affect the bones, muscles, cartilage, and other connective tissues. They account for only 1% of all adult cancers and 15% of pediatric cancers, yet they pose significant challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. For patients and families touched by sarcomas, the journey can be overwhelming, isolating, and uncertain.
That's where Rein in Sarcoma Foundation comes in. Founded in 2001 by Karen Wyckoff after losing her son to sarcoma at age 19, Rein in Sarcoma is a nonprofit organization based in Minnesota that aims to provide support, education, advocacy, and research funding for sarcoma patients and families. Its mission is to find better treatments and ultimately a cure for sarcomas while improving the quality of life for those affected by them.
Rein in Sarcoma offers a wide range of programs and services that cater to different needs:
- Patient Support: The foundation has a team of trained volunteers who are themselves survivors or caregivers who understand firsthand what it's like to deal with sarcomas. They provide emotional support through phone calls or visits; practical assistance such as transportation or meal delivery; educational resources on treatment options; financial aid through grants or scholarships; social events that foster community building.
- Family Support: The foundation recognizes that cancer affects not just the patient but also their loved ones who may feel helpless or stressed out. It offers counseling services for family members; bereavement support groups for those who have lost someone to sarcoma; sibling camps where young siblings can bond with others going through similar experiences.
- Medical Education: The foundation partners with leading medical institutions such as Mayo Clinic Cancer Center or University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center to promote awareness about sarcomas among healthcare professionals. It hosts annual symposiums that bring together experts in the field to share the latest research findings, treatment options, and best practices. It also offers scholarships for medical students or residents who want to specialize in sarcoma oncology.
- Research Funding: The foundation has raised over $5 million to date for sarcoma research projects that have the potential to make a significant impact on patient outcomes. It funds both basic science studies that aim to understand the biology of sarcomas and clinical trials that test new therapies or combinations of therapies. It also supports collaborative initiatives such as Sarcoma Alliance for Research through Collaboration (SARC) or Children's Oncology Group (COG) that bring together multiple institutions and stakeholders.
Rein in Sarcoma is run by a dedicated team of staff members, board members, volunteers, and advisors who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of those affected by sarcomas. They work tirelessly to raise awareness about this often overlooked cancer type; advocate for better policies and resources; connect patients with each other and with experts; fund innovative research projects that have the potential to transform care.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with sarcoma, Rein in Sarcoma Foundation can be your ally on this journey. You don't have to face it alone. Reach out today and see how they can help you rein in your fears and find hope for a brighter future.