July is the time for summer vacations, backyard barbecues, and of course, sarcoma awareness. Up to 1,700 children will be diagnosed with some form of pediatric sarcoma in the U.S this year. This type of cancer can occur in the bones or the soft tissue of the body, with more than 70 different subtypes. 

Survival rates for sarcomas lag behind the survival rates of other childhood cancers – only 75% of kids are alive 5 years after diagnosis. Still, kids with sarcomas find the strength to fight every day.

Here are five sarcoma heroes who inspire us to make an impact this July:

1. Elijah

At first, Elijah’s parents thought his sudden pain was just a typical 16-year-old’s growth spurt. When the pain persisted, an MRI and biopsy proved otherwise – Elijah has Ewing sarcoma, a type of bone tumor that often affects growing adolescents. With a growth below his right knee and spots on his lungs, Elijah began 11 weeks of chemotherapy before undergoing a below the knee amputation. 

Today, Elijah has finished his initial treatment and is hopeful for clear scans ahead!

2. Olivia

When Olivia’s parents noticed swelling behind her right eye, they decided to take her to an ophthalmologist who redirected them to an emergency room. Olivia had a tumor the size of a golf ball behind her eye. She was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of soft tissue sarcoma that develops from cells that would normally develop into skeletal muscles. She underwent multiple surgeries to remove the tumor and started 66 weeks of chemotherapy. 

Now, Olivia is in remission and looking forward to brighter days for herself and all kids with cancer.

3. Drew 

After a few weeks of experiencing vague symptoms like fatigue, fevers and pain, Drew’s family noticed a lump in his right jaw.  His mom took him to the emergency room after a week of antibiotics did not decrease the swelling or pain. A CT scan revealed a 5 cm tumor in his right jaw muscle. He was diagnosed with stage IV embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of cancer that grows in soft tissue cells. The cancer had spread to his lungs, lymph nodes, spine, pelvis, arms, and legs. For 16 months, Drew put on a brave face through chemotherapy and two rounds of proton radiation.

Thankfully, Drew completed treatment in 2020. While he is dealing with long-term side effects like taking daily growth hormone shots, a cataract, jaw mobility, and a surgery to remove swollen lymph nodes, he is thriving. Drew plays in a youth pickleball league and is learning to play guitar. He and his family are hopeful for a future where he can manage the long-term side effects of treatment.  

4. Karlee

Karlee was 2 years old when her mom noticed her eating less with a distended abdomen. As Karlee grew lethargic, her mom knew it was time to take her to the doctor. An ice storm knocked out the power at the doctor’s office, so they went to the emergency room where Karlee ended up getting a CT scan that revealed the true problem: a large tumor known as rhabdomyosarcoma. 
She immediately underwent a tumor resection and started chemotherapy two weeks later followed by radiation. She entered remission, and today, Karlee is 18 years old. She has struggled with many side effects since her initial treatment, from an appendectomy and full ovarian failure to prediabetes and heart failure.

While Karlee is working to manage her side effects she is thrilled to have completed her freshman year at William Jewel College.

5. Kadi

 In 2019, Kadi began having lower leg pain and her doctor sent her for X-rays. Her radiologist noted something “small but unusual,” and by the end of the month her mom decided to take her to the emergency room for the same pain. Kadi had an aggressive tumor and was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of cancer that starts in the bones. After chemotherapy and several surgeries, she briefly had no evidence of disease (NED), but sadly relapsed three months later.

After going through treatment a second time, Kadi again reached NED. Through it all she’s maintained a positive attitude despite the difficult side effects from treatment she now faces like drop foot, early-stage kidney failure and progressive cardiomyopathy. Today, Kadi is more than 3 years cancer-free and thriving – enjoying life as a teenager and thankful for every day she’s been given.

For many kids with pediatric sarcomas, the fight is far from over. New research is critical to finding more cures and safer treatments with less side effects. Whether you’re celebrating all the brave heroes of Sarcoma Awareness Month or making a difference every month, these are just a few of the many stories that inspire us to keep fighting for all kids with cancer.
Donate to help kids with sarcoma today or start making a monthly impact by joining the One Cup at a Time Club to make monthly donations that sustain Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation-funded research projects.