The Team Sarcoma Initiative is an internationally coordinated set of events to raise awareness of sarcoma and raise funds to support sarcoma research, clinical trials, and patient and family services. The annual effort consists of local events that are held worldwide during the same week. Team Sarcoma events are planned by individuals, communities, advocacy groups and organizations striving to make a difference in the lives of everyone affected by sarcoma. The Initiative has become an International Sarcoma Awareness Week, with over 16,800 people participating worldwide in 2009. Learn more in our official press releases and local press coverage, or read the descriptions of past initiatives.
Sarcoma Knows No Borders
The mantra of the Team Sarcoma Initiative is “Sarcoma Knows No Borders.” We use this phrase because sarcomas can occur anywhere in the body and they don’t discriminate based on age, gender, race or nationality. People from all over the globe participate in Team Sarcoma Events ― young and old, women and men, from countries across Europe, through Asia and Pacific regions, and in North and Central America.
Bringing People Together
Sarcoma patients, caregivers and survivors are dealing with a rare and dangerous cancer. They often feel alone, unsure of where to turn for help and information about such a rare disease. Organizations around the world are working to help families deal with sarcoma and its life-changing effects. Most sarcoma centers and advocacy groups are comprised of a few dedicated individuals driven to make a difference. By bringing individuals and local groups together in a global effort, the Team Sarcoma Initiative amplifies every voice, increases sarcoma awareness, and creates lasting supportive connections.
Supporting Sarcoma Research
Today, thousands of sarcoma patients are hoping for more effective treatments that will save their lives – and the quality of their lives. But most government funds are used for research into more well-known cancers, leaving many sarcoma patients with few treatment options. The Team Sarcoma Initiative increases awareness of sarcoma and the need for sarcoma-specific research. The Initiative bridges the gap between concerned individuals and the research that can save and improve lives.
Where does the money go?
Some event organizers and participants choose to raise funds during the Team Sarcoma Initiative. Typical recipients of the funds are sarcoma research organizations, sarcoma patient assistance funds, sarcoma medical centers, and other sarcoma related charitable organizations. Please talk to the organizer of your local event for more information.
Coordination of Events
Since its inception in 2003, the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative has coordinated the Team Sarcoma Initiative. The effort has grown from 7 people who biked 50 miles a day in Louisiana to more than 16,000 people who participated in 90 events worldwide in 2009. The mission of the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative is to improve the quality of life for people dealing with sarcoma. The Initiative increases public awareness of sarcoma, raises funds to award research grants, and provides support and timely information to sarcoma patients, their families, and medical professionals. These efforts are achieved through collaboration with numerous individuals and organizations that share a similar vision.
