Band Together for Sarcoma Research

Currently less than 1% of cancer research funding is allocated towards sarcoma, despite sarcomas making up 20% of cancers in children and 10% in young adults. Extensive research and trials are still needed to be carried out in order to change the outcome for sarcoma patients and their families, which is why I've decided to do my part to help out.

Ferg's Story
My name is Anna and my older brother Fergus was diagnosed with a sarcoma at the end of September 2018. Since being diagnosed and undergoing numerous surgery's, radiation, and chemotherapy I have learnt a lot about cancer and in particular sarcoma cancer treatment. Ferg has a very rare form of cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma, which is more commonly seen as a paediatric soft tissue cancer. However, Ferg's case differs slightly as he is an adult and the tumour was found in his maxilla (upper jaw bone). We were advised that his best chance for survival would be to have a matxillectomy, a surgery to remove a large portion of his maxilla. As Ferg had had chemotherapy as a child, after being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma at age 7, there was a likelihood that his body would be immune to chemotherapy treatment. Thus, the safest option was to surgically resect the tumour before undergoing radiation and chemotherapy as a precaution. Currently Ferg is undergoing chemotherapy treatment on a three week cycle, and is expected to be completed by August.

Cooper Rice-Brading Foundation
I am raising money to benefit the Cooper Rice-Brading Foundation Ltd. (CRBF), as their vision for altering the future for sarcoma patients and their families aligns very much with my own desire for change. CRBF, "aims to provide long-term funding to find a cure for sarcoma, together with a vastly improved cancer journey, providing much needed hope and support for young sarcoma patients and their families" ("Why we choose to do what we do?...," 2019). I recently learnt about this foundation after being invited to attend their annual Mother's Day Breakfast with my family, which has lead me to begin my own fundraising initiative to help assist their chosen cancer institutions and foundations. CRBF supports the Comprehensive Sarcoma Centre (CSC) within Chris O'brien Lifehouse (COLH), Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF), and the Australia and New Zealand Sarcoma Association (ANZSA). As Ferg is being treated at COLH, the foundations financial support of this hospital holds a special place in my heart as I can attest to the wonderful support and care the team have shown us thus far. This, together with their support of the other organisations, propels research opportunities as well as creates awareness of sarcomas.

How You Can Help
Any donation, small or large, will help make an impact. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me and my family. The CRBF is a wonderful organisation that is doing some amazing things to help change the future of sarcoma and by helping me, you can help them.

You can read about CRBF 2019 funding objectives here:
https://www.crbf.org.au/crbf/objectives/

Follow Ferg's story on Instagram: @faceofcancer_au