The International Sarcoma Awareness Week: July 17-25, 2010
An ESUN Editorial
The Team Sarcoma Initiative (TSI) is an internationally coordinated set of events to raise awareness of sarcoma and raise funds to support sarcoma research, clinical trials, and patient and family services. This annual effort consists of a wide variety of events that are held worldwide during the same week and has become an International Sarcoma Awareness Week (ISAW). With over 16,800 people participating worldwide in 2009, we more than doubled the previous year's participation and far surpassed our goal of 10,000 participants. Over 30 medical centers and 25 sarcoma advocacy groups were among the 90 events that were held globally last year. More than $450,000 was raised by teams to support various cancer centers and advocacy groups. The following graph shows the rapid growth in participation in the Initiative since its inception in 2003.
The mantra of the Team Sarcoma Initiative is “Sarcoma Knows No Borders.” We use this phrase because sarcomas can occur anywhere in the body and they don’t discriminate based on age, gender, race or nationality. 
People from all over the globe participate in Team Sarcoma Events ― young and old, women and men, from countries across Europe, through Asia and Pacific regions, and in North, Central and South America.
Committed and caring people around the world have made the Team Sarcoma Initiative more successful each year. Our goal in 2010 is to have 20,000 people involved in a life-changing Initiative. Families are invited to plan events in their communities to increase awareness or raise funds for sarcoma research. Advocacy groups and cancer centers are invited to plan events that will strengthen their ties with patients and increase their reach. Whether enjoying a backyard barbeque, an educational seminar, or a thrilling race: Together, we are making a difference!
We welcome medical centers, advocacy groups, patients, caregivers and survivors to get involved. Be a part of the 2010 Team Sarcoma Initiative by forming a local team in your area! Please contact me and we can explore the possibilities together.
V7N1 ESUN Copyright © 2010 Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative.