Karen Wyckoff Rein in Sarcoma Foundation
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Volume 3 Number 3
  March 2010
IN THIS ISSUE
RIS 2010 Kick Off Meeting
Grant Awards
RIS Gathering
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Sunflower- The symbol for cures to sarcoma cancersRIS Update!
Welcome to our March RIS Newsletter. In this issue you will find information about our Kick off meeting for Rein in Sarcoma 2010. Learn about over $130,000 in new Sarcoma research grants.  You also can read about our RIS Gathering with Scott Burton and see the event through a slide show, and even consider auction and sponsorship opportunities. Enjoy!
Volunteer for RISKICK-OFF MEETING FOR RIS 2010 - TUESDAY, MARCH 16 on U of M West Bank

Plan now to attend the RIS 2010 Kick off meeting on Tuesday, March 16th at the University of Minnesota. Join us at 6:30 to meet University Sarcoma doctors and researchers in an informal time to learn and share the latest trends in sarcoma research and treatment. Cheese, crackers and refreshments will be available.

The Kick off meeting gets underway at 7:00 pm . Highlights include the unvailing of the new 2010 event image, a presentation on the impact of Rein in Sarcoma, and event organizing meetings   We need the talent and enthusiasm of many new and returning volunteers as we begin to plan the 2010 event.  We have important tasks awaiting each of you. To learn more about the kick-off meeting, click here.

New Location: The meeting will be held on the west bank of the University at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery 2512 7th St. Mpls, MN.
Free Parking: Please park in Blue Lot, directly across the street from the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. Free Parking vouchers will be  available for this lot.  To find out more, click here.

If you can't attend but still want to help, please sign up by clicking here.

We are excited to announce the following grants, approved by the Board in February, all of which are aligned with our three-fold mission:
  • Characterization of sarcoma stem cells and their role in chemoresistance and relapse: Biologic correlate of "Study of FDG-PET/CT Imaging in Predicting Disease-Free Survival of Patients Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Soft Tissue Sarcoma"  - Principal Investigator:  Amy P. N. Skubitz, Ph.D.Christian Ogilvie, MD
  • Establishment of a miRNA Serum Biomakers in Well- and De-differentiated Liposarcomas-Principal Investigator: Christian Ogilvie, MD
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors as Targets for Rhabdomyosarcoma Therapy- Principal Investigator: David Largaespada, Ph.D.
  • Patient education video series: Amputation in pediatric sarcoma patients  -Principal Investigator:  Edward Cheng, MD 
  • RIS also will continue its Scholarship Program, introducing two promising new medical students to the U of Minnesota's multi-disciplinary cancer team, and asking the students to help educate their peers about the proper evaluation and referral of patients with soft tissue and bone tumors.
To read more about these awards and the new recipients, click here.
 LAUGHTER, FINE MEDICINE
 
On Sunday, February 21, a record crowd of over 90 persons joined our seventh sarcoma patient and family gathering.  Thank you to sarcoma survivor Ruth Bachman and her husband Dale for hosting us at the beautiful Bachman's Lyndale Garden Center.  Scott Burton

National comedian, juggler, author and sarcoma survivor Scott Burton offered an amazing show.  Scott faced an osteosarcoma diagnosis at age 30, when he was engaged in life as a young father and a thriving and often physical performer.  Humor helped Scott survive chemotherapy and major limb surgery, and allowed him to re-engage in a full and rewarding life.  On Sunday, Scott shared his juggling and his humor.  Young and old laughed loud and long, and we all had our hearts shifted to a life-affirming place.   
 
Following Scott's show, several members of the group shared their own successes, fears and questions.  New connections were made and old ones were renewed.  As always, we were enriched by the community.  And well fed!  Leftover cookies, anyone?

To learn more about RIS Gatherings, Click here.
To see a slide show of the RIS Gathering with Scott Burton, Click here.
2009 Silent AuctionRIS AUCTION and SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Whether or not you can attend our Kick-Off Meeting on March 16th, you can help make the 10th Annual Rein in Sarcoma on Monday evening, July 26th  our best ever.
  • RIS Silent Auction: Solicit or Donate Auction items for this year's amazing silent auction.We expect over 300 items from hand crafted art, services, restaurants, and vacation destinations. Check out the 2010 Auction Home Page to get ideas and to learn more.You can help by soliciting or donating auction items for our silent auction.
  • 2010 RIS Event Sponsorship: Join CVS Pharmacies, Fairview Health Systems, American Family Insurance, Park Midway Bank and others in becoming a 2010 Event Sponsor. If you work for, or know a corporation that wants to join in the fight to cure sarcoma cancers and to be apart of a truly great event, consider event sponsorship at a level appropriate for you. 
Individuals and Families who have established or renewed a RIS Named or Memorial Fund can also become sponsors of Rein in Sarcoma 2010. For further information on 2010 Event Sponsorship, contact Pete Wyckoff.
The Karen Wyckoff Rein in Sarcoma Foundation is the primary sarcoma cancer foundation in the upper Midwest. Our goals are to find a cure for sarcoma cancers through funding research, education for medical personal and the public and patient support. As an all volunteer non-profit organization over 98% of all revenue directly support our mission.
 
Sincerely,

Peter Wyckoff, President
Karen Wyckoff Rein in Sarcoma Foundation