“2022 was an outstanding year for our foundation!” said Susan Udelson, Executive Director. “During our signature fundraiser, The Sarcoma Stomp, presented by AmWINS, dedicated fundraisers and donors fired on all cylinders, and companies supported in droves. We held Golf Fore Sarcoma in the fall and gained many new and generous supporters. We also had the great fortune of benefiting from several other fundraisers this year: All-In to Fight Cancer’s Texas Hold’em tournament, Food & Beverage Social Club’s FORK Cancer chef’s dinner, and the Bakerstrong golf tournament in memory of Clayton Baker, hosted by his friends and Ernst & Young colleagues. We are extremely grateful to these partners who helped us amplify our impact.”
On December 6, 2022 the Paula Takacs Foundation for Sarcoma Research held a Gift Presentation and Reception for Levine Cancer Institute, Levine Children’s Hospital and other guests. It was sponsored by and held at Loretta’s Restaurant in Charlotte, NC. We thank Loretta’s Restaurant for supporting our mission!
The Paula Takacs Foundation donors have funded a pilot study of a sarcoma-specific blood biopsy technique developed by Levine Cancer Institute. Researchers now report that the preliminary data is extremely encouraging! This study has found evidence of circulating tumor DNA of several sarcoma subtypes in the blood. This has the potential to be a game changer for more effective patient management and a better understanding of sarcoma drivers.
Donations have also supported Levine researchers in the study of genomic sequencing of over 70 synovial sarcoma specimens and comparing to patient outcomes. Although not yet published, this is currently the largest study of synovial sarcoma in the world! It is very significant to amass a large study in a very rare disease. It helps researchers uncover the drivers of this disease and gives patients so much hope for a cure.
Read about all the studies your dollars fund.
The Foundation is also proud to announce a new initiative. Through the Growing Hope Through Art program, a fundraising arm the Paula Takacs Foundation, we will knit together our community in awareness and purpose about sarcomas. Powerful art installations commissioned by the Program will stand as a symbol of our commitment to funding local research, and amplifying awareness as they tell stories of hope throughout the Charlotte region. The first installation, by glass artist Jake Pfeifer of Hot Glass Alley, will be in a prominent corridor at Levine Cancer Institute. Seasons of Life, a hand-blown glass tree with a seasonal cadence of blossoms, will symbolize the courageous sarcoma journey of the artist, and will pay homage to all cancer patients and their healthcare heroes.
To learn more, visit growinghopethroughart.org.
There are many ways to get involved in the work of the Paula Takacs Foundation! To learn more, you can visit our website, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and opt in to our periodic email updates. We need YOU to help fund the research that can lead to cures, and to spread awareness that can lead to faster diagnoses in order to save more lives!
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