The positive energy and vibes associated with the Sarcoma 5k continue to grow. The plan for this year is coming into better focus. The primary goals remain the same as previous years:
Increase Awareness of Sarcoma
Advocate for our local sarcoma families
And raise funds to support sarcoma research
Last year’s event generated enough funds ($42,000) to sponsor a Sarcoma Research Grant with the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) and has served as a model for other programs to emulate throughout the country. That collaborative effort is important to nurture and see grow and this year we will continue with a primary fundraising goal of sponsoring a sarcoma research grant with the MSTS. The Albany Medical Center Foundation will continue to offer help and guidance with the fundraising efforts . A percentage of the funds raised will stay local to help sponsor a sarcoma educational symposium with national speakers. We tentatively would plan on a fall/winter meeting but this is in its infancy and will take time to develop a program that serves both the medical community and the sarcoma patient community.
Thank you again to our 2015 Sponsors:
$2500 Level: Capital Region Orthopaedics, Garvey Auto Group, Stryker, Trustco and The Morier Family
$1000 Level: Smith & Nephew, Bill Sampson, Brilliant Design and Print, Medtronic, Zimmer, Depuy Synthes, Market 32 Price Chopper, Community Care Physicians, R Marcil Associates, Kenneth March DPM, Robert Leonard, Glaucoma consultants and IBEW Union 236
Sponsorship letters will be sent soon and we hope that all of our generous sponsors last year will continue to support our mission and more members of the community will become engaged. Some notable collaborations that have developed or strengthened this year are:
MSTS and AMC collaboration with full administrative support
Union College volunteer team remains strong lead by Kate Schurick
Support of the American Cancer Society
UAlbany location and student body, faculty and foundation involvement
Commitment from local media to help increase awareness of sarcoma and the 5k event through patient stories
Increasing numbers of sarcoma families taking this opportunity to bring something positive to their disease; empowering them to make a difference. It is these emails and calls I receive on a regular basis that inspire me to do more and to keep improving on previous years experience. Together we can accomplish so much more!
Share your sarcoma story and inspire more to join in on this year’s event to support, advocate and raise funds.