Annual Event Raises Awareness and Funds for Sarcoma Research

The 16th Annual Strike Out for Sarcoma 5K and 10K Run/Walk took place on September 8 at WedMake Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina. This event drew numerous supporters aiming to raise awareness and funds for sarcoma—a rare and challenging cancer type. Sarcoma can affect both children and adults, targeting areas such as muscle, bone, or fat. Dr. Nicole Larrier, a radiation oncologist at Duke Sarcoma Center, highlighted the unique challenges posed by this rare disease, noting its potential to occur anywhere in the body, from the brain to the toe.

Dedicated professionals from Duke’s sarcoma team volunteered at the event with a goal to raise $30,000 for sarcoma research and care. The event successfully collected $74,560, underlining the strong community support. The day commenced with a survivor’s walk, including participants like Patricia McCarter, who walked alongside her cousin, Kebra McDaniel, to offer support during her ongoing battle with sarcoma.

Wanda Farrell, a sarcoma survivor of 15 years, participated in the event alongside her daughter, Jordan Farrell. Jordan, who won the 10K race, shared her motivation to run in support of her mother. She also led “Wanda’s Warriors,” a support group that managed to raise $4,215. The unity and support demonstrated by these participants highlighted the powerful role of community in combating rare diseases.

Lt. Jeffrey Kology of the Burlington, NC police department also participated, raising $3,200 through the design of a challenge coin. Kology, diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma in February 2022, touched on the life-altering nature of cancer, reflecting on his personal journey from a community helper to one receiving support.

The event also welcomed newcomers like McCarter from Wendell, NC, diagnosed only a month prior to the event. Wearing the symbolic yellow ribbons for sarcoma, she shared her journey and solidarity with other patients. McCarter creatively renamed her tumor “mango,” symbolizing her personal battle against the disease.

Sarcoma is often referred to as the “forgotten cancer” due to its rarity and complex diagnosis. According to research, it accounts for approximately 1% of adult cancers. Efforts to advance sarcoma treatment continue, as experts like Dr. Larrier emphasize the need for innovative research to discover effective therapies similar to those developed for more common cancers.