Nationwide Race Series Brings Attention to Rare Cancer and Funds for Research
Story by Elinore Tibbetts
Sarcoma is a rare cancer that can develop on a variety of tissue structures (nerves, muscles, joints, bone, fat, blood vessels – collectively referred to as the body’s “connective tissues”). Because these tissues are found everywhere on the body, sarcomas can appear anywhere. The most common location is the limbs as most of the body’s connective tissue resides there. At any one time, more than 20,000 patients and families are affected by sarcoma and 12,000 people die from sarcoma every year.
Research to develop better treatments and ultimately a cure for this cancer is paramount to sarcoma patients and their loved ones. The Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA), the leading private funder of research in the sarcoma community, has created an impactful event the Race to Cure Sarcoma (RTCS). This series of runs/walks is not only a fundraiser to support research grants to find a cure and better treatment options for people diagnosed with sarcoma, but also brings the sarcoma community together. These events also go a long way in raising much needed awareness about sarcoma and the needs of sarcoma patients and their families. It’s a series of days packed with fun and fellowship that also means so much to patients, survivors, friends, family, and loved ones.
SFA has been the host of the RTCS events since 2015 which are held in cities throughout the country. With assistance of local committees, SFA promotes the event to patients, survivors and their loved ones who can run a 5K, walk a one-mile course or show their support by cheering from the sidelines. The event can get quite competitive, especially when teams are formed and the quest to raise the most money is on. At any race, you’ll see many babies still in strollers and, if the race locations allow it, many leashed dogs donning a special RTCS bandana.
Each RTCS is kicked off with a moment of silence to remember those who died from sarcoma. Following each race, patients and survivors speak about their sarcoma journey, truly driving home the reason for everyone’s participation that day. Awards are presented to top fundraisers, largest team and, of course, the faster runners. Children’s activities such as playing in a bounce house and face painting are available for the younger set. The opportunity for posting photos and special messages on the Wall of Hope and Remembrance is available throughout the event.
“SFA is extremely proud of the Race to Cure Sarcoma events,” says SFA CEO Brandi Felser. “It’s an exceptional way to bring those affected by sarcoma together to form new friendships and unite patients, survivors, caregivers and families in this difficult challenge they all share.”
In 2022, the RTCS raised over $1 million for sarcoma research. Now in its eighth year, the RTCS continues to be a major catalyst in raising awareness about this devastating disease while bringing hope to thousands that the cure – like the finish line – is just in reach.
For more information about this article contact Elinore Tibbetts at etibbetts@curesarcoma.org, to learn more about sarcoma and how you can help bring SFA closer to a cure by supporting the Race to Cure Sarcoma, please visit
