16th ANNUAL STEPS FOR SARCOMA WALK TAKES PLACE SEPTEMBER 21
Funds raised support Ohio State research for this rare cancer that most affects kids, younger adults and dogs

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The sarcoma program at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) will bring community together in support of people and pets with rare cancer at its 16th Annual Steps for Sarcoma walk and event Sunday, September 21. The event seeks to raise awareness of osteosarcoma, a type of cancer of soft tissue and bone, and generate important research funding to investigate this type of cancer at the OSUCCC – James.

Steps for Sarcoma is event that brings patients, families, staff and the community together to raise awareness of the disease and benefit research that will help improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with sarcoma. This kid- and dog-friendly event will feature food trucks, face painters, kid zone activities in addition to a one-mile walk. People can participate in the walk/run, donate directly to support research or volunteer. 

Since its inception in 2010 and through the generous support of participants, Steps for Sarcoma has raised $2.1 million for sarcoma research at the OSUCCC – James. Sarcomas are most prevalent in children, constituting 20% of childhood cancers. These tumors also occur in dogs and represent about 15% of canine cancers. As a less-common cancer that mostly affects children and pets, sarcoma can be overlooked for research funding, limiting the treatment options available to patients. 

Past funds raised through this event allowed the OSUCCC - James to collaborate with The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, leading to the development of new technology called ocular coherence tomography (OCT). First used on animals, OCT utilizes special lighting to quickly differentiate between healthy and cancerous tissue, and it is now used on people with sarcoma to guide surgery and confirm clear margins.

This funding has also allowed for collaboration with Nationwide Children’s Hospital, helping to develop an Adolescent/Young Adult (AYA) Program to provide more targeted support and help pediatric sarcoma survivors transition to adult sarcoma care.

What:
16th Annual Steps for Sarcoma walk and event to benefit the sarcoma program at the OSUCCC – James

When:
8:30-10 a.m. – registration

9:30 – Survivor photo

10 a.m. – walk begins

11 a.m. – main stage activities and speaking program
 

Where:
The Lawn at CAS
2450 Olentangy Rive Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43202

Who:
Joel Mayerson, MD, orthopedic oncologist and director of the sarcoma program at the OSUCCC – James, will be available for interviews. Osteosarcoma survivor and professional wheelchair-athlete LaQuinta Hayes will also be available to share her survivor story.

Tickets range from $35 to $100. To purchase tickets or for more information about the event, visit Steps for Sarcoma | OSUCCC – James.