Updates for steps for sarcoma
with the health and safety of our cancer survivors, caregivers and community members being the foremost concern, the steps for sarcoma executive event committee has made the decision to cancel Steps for sarcoma 2020, which was scheduled for September 20,2020. This is consistent in aligning our recommendations with and following current guidelines from the centers for disease control and prevention, the world health organization and other city, state, and federal agencies to restrict large gatherings during the covid-19 crisis.
Although we are in the midst of a global pandemic and will not be together in person, the mission of steps for sarcoma remains the same. We will continue to provide opportunities for you to fundraise for sarcoma research by setting up your person giving page and will share more details with you soon.
we will be back in 2021 with another great event and looking forward to being together with you at that time. thank you for your continued support!
Thank you to everyone who made the
10th Annual Event Successful!
together we raised $132,253.93
for SARCOMA RESEARCH!
OUR MISSION
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We strive to bring patient, family, and community sarcoma awareness and education by raising orthopaedic sarcoma pilot research funds, to promote improved patient outcomes and quality of life.
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survivor stories...
Bob Cooper
My journey began in 2015. I was 58 years old and a plumber for a local school district and noticed a lump on the back of my upper thigh. So, I made an appointment with my family physician. My physician was not available, so I saw a partner in the practice. He believed the lump was fatty tissue and I went on my way. A couple of months later, I returned to my family physician as the lump had grown. He sent me to Riverside Methodist Hospital for a biopsy. Then, on April 15, 2015, came the phone call. You have cancer and we are sending you to The James.
Wow! How do you digest that? Well, I called my wife, Terry, told her the news and told her I was leaving work and going to Whetstone Park. She met me at the park where we sat at a picnic table in silence for a while.
April 29, 2015 was a marathon of appointments meeting my amazing oncology team (Dr. Scharschmidt, Dr. Leibner, and Dr. Haglund). I was initially diagnosed with high grade myxofibrosarcoma and later, undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. And so it began, radiation, chemo, surgery (tumor resection), post-operative infection, a drain tube that we named Wally and a couple of months later a pressure wound vac that we affectionately named Wendell.
I finally returned to work in February 2016 and during my checkup in March, 2016, a second tumor was discovered, same area, same leg. Here we go again. Another resection in April, 2016 and yes another pressure wound vac. This time we stick with names beginning with W, but we go for a girl's name, Winnie aka Winnie Cooper a character on the TV show, The Wonder Years.
By the time of the Steps for Sarcoma walk in September, 2016, I suspected another tumor. My third tumor was confirmed. Dr. Scharschmidt walked into the exam room and said, "Well crap." I replied, "Yeah, I'm just like the city of Columbus...I have a few potholes." So another resection was done. Maybe we should have considered putting in a zipper.
Since then, I have been diagnosed with four more sarcomas with number six and seven diagnosed in December, 2019 (surgery in February, 2020). I've had two more rounds of chemo, immunotherapy, reconstructive surgery (Dr. Skoracki, Dr. Valerio, and Dr. Figgie) and countless MRIs and CTs. Through it all, I've kept my sense of humor (naming the drain tubes and wound vacs) and positive attitude, it's not always easy to do, but maybe, just maybe research from my journey will help someone else fight this relentless cancer.
We (my wife and I and our family and friends) are so thankful for The James (our second home) and our awesome oncology and plastic surgery team (our second family) for the care and support we receive. We are in this together!
Bob Cooper, 5 year, 7 tumor survivor
Wow! How do you digest that? Well, I called my wife, Terry, told her the news and told her I was leaving work and going to Whetstone Park. She met me at the park where we sat at a picnic table in silence for a while.
April 29, 2015 was a marathon of appointments meeting my amazing oncology team (Dr. Scharschmidt, Dr. Leibner, and Dr. Haglund). I was initially diagnosed with high grade myxofibrosarcoma and later, undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. And so it began, radiation, chemo, surgery (tumor resection), post-operative infection, a drain tube that we named Wally and a couple of months later a pressure wound vac that we affectionately named Wendell.
I finally returned to work in February 2016 and during my checkup in March, 2016, a second tumor was discovered, same area, same leg. Here we go again. Another resection in April, 2016 and yes another pressure wound vac. This time we stick with names beginning with W, but we go for a girl's name, Winnie aka Winnie Cooper a character on the TV show, The Wonder Years.
By the time of the Steps for Sarcoma walk in September, 2016, I suspected another tumor. My third tumor was confirmed. Dr. Scharschmidt walked into the exam room and said, "Well crap." I replied, "Yeah, I'm just like the city of Columbus...I have a few potholes." So another resection was done. Maybe we should have considered putting in a zipper.
Since then, I have been diagnosed with four more sarcomas with number six and seven diagnosed in December, 2019 (surgery in February, 2020). I've had two more rounds of chemo, immunotherapy, reconstructive surgery (Dr. Skoracki, Dr. Valerio, and Dr. Figgie) and countless MRIs and CTs. Through it all, I've kept my sense of humor (naming the drain tubes and wound vacs) and positive attitude, it's not always easy to do, but maybe, just maybe research from my journey will help someone else fight this relentless cancer.
We (my wife and I and our family and friends) are so thankful for The James (our second home) and our awesome oncology and plastic surgery team (our second family) for the care and support we receive. We are in this together!
Bob Cooper, 5 year, 7 tumor survivor
Gabe Gemberling
I am a 22-year-old student-athlete at The Ohio State University with an infectious smile and an incredibly rare connection with Brutus Buckeye. On May 17th, 2018- I visited my team sports doctor with concerns of my shoulder not functioning properly. After a few short hours after having my shoulder examined, an x-ray confirmed a large tumor growing off my humerus. From that second on, osteosarcoma became my life and every fiber of my body committed itself to beating it. In the proceeding months, the wonderful Dr. Scharschmidt and Dr. Plummer performed two surgeries, one being removal and resection of my tumor and one heck of an allograft.
During my fight with cancer, I carried on hoping to exemplify the beautiful life we are all gifted with. Even in the darkest times of my life, I did everything humanly possible to find the light in every situation I was given. After my diagnosis, I remember internalizing and thanking God for allowing me to fight this battle so that someone else wouldn’t have to endure that pain. Even today, I have never asked myself, “Why did all of this happen to me?” I may had been frustrated but I never railed against fate. Today, I am blessed with immense motivation to find a cure. With the help of my family and friends, together we fundraised $3,330 for the Steps for Sarcoma Foundation. The momentum does not end there. Now, I prepare to begin fundraising for Pelotonia and the many other incredible events hosted by The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.
Today, I passion myself on positively influencing every survivor, fighter, and family effected by cancer. Whether it is as simple as hand that needs held or identifying the fight someone has in them. I want to make a difference. I am blessed beyond belief to be cancer free today and it is all help to the wonderful people that make Steps for Sarcoma happen. So, thank you all for coming together for the common cause of finding a cure!
During my fight with cancer, I carried on hoping to exemplify the beautiful life we are all gifted with. Even in the darkest times of my life, I did everything humanly possible to find the light in every situation I was given. After my diagnosis, I remember internalizing and thanking God for allowing me to fight this battle so that someone else wouldn’t have to endure that pain. Even today, I have never asked myself, “Why did all of this happen to me?” I may had been frustrated but I never railed against fate. Today, I am blessed with immense motivation to find a cure. With the help of my family and friends, together we fundraised $3,330 for the Steps for Sarcoma Foundation. The momentum does not end there. Now, I prepare to begin fundraising for Pelotonia and the many other incredible events hosted by The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.
Today, I passion myself on positively influencing every survivor, fighter, and family effected by cancer. Whether it is as simple as hand that needs held or identifying the fight someone has in them. I want to make a difference. I am blessed beyond belief to be cancer free today and it is all help to the wonderful people that make Steps for Sarcoma happen. So, thank you all for coming together for the common cause of finding a cure!
Sara Richardson Bentley, Sarcoma Survivor
Performed the National Anthem at our 2017 Event
Performed the National Anthem at our 2017 Event
I am a 26-year-old osteosarcoma survivor. I was diagnosed at the age of 10 when an x-ray revealed a tumor in my femur. I underwent months of chemotherapy and a reconstructive surgery at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Over the next three years, I experienced additional relapses, received more chemotherapy, and eventually required a hip disarticulation amputation. Despite overwhelming odds, I have been cancer-free for the past 12 years.
During my battle with cancer, I turned to music to cope with my illness and express my spiritual and emotional journey. I listened to music as a relief from phantom pain and wrote songs about my cancer experience. I pursued a degree in music therapy at Ohio University, and I am now a board-certified music therapist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital where I practice music-based treatments for patients’ physical and psychosocial health. Had it not been for my cancer experience, I likely would not have pursued such a rewarding and impactful career.
Osteosarcoma is a rare form of cancer occurring in approximately 2% of childhood cancers and even fewer of adulthood cancers (American Cancer Society, 2018a, ACS). People diagnosed with localized osteosarcoma face a 60% to 80% survival rate, with metastatic osteosarcoma decreasing these odds to less than 40% (ACS, 2018c). Survivors of sarcoma experience a host of long-term, life-altering effects; from physical complications such as limb loss, impaired hearing, heart damage, or infertility; to cognitive and psychological effects, such memory loss and mental health issues (ACS, 2018b). It is high time for more promising care for our sarcoma warriors!
‘Steps for Sarcoma’ is a powerful organization in the quest of finding a cure for sarcomas. It funds a number of research studies that seek to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for our sarcoma warriors. This annual fundraiser gives me hope that a brighter future lies ahead for people diagnosed with sarcoma. Please consider donating generously to this worthy organization!
During my battle with cancer, I turned to music to cope with my illness and express my spiritual and emotional journey. I listened to music as a relief from phantom pain and wrote songs about my cancer experience. I pursued a degree in music therapy at Ohio University, and I am now a board-certified music therapist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital where I practice music-based treatments for patients’ physical and psychosocial health. Had it not been for my cancer experience, I likely would not have pursued such a rewarding and impactful career.
Osteosarcoma is a rare form of cancer occurring in approximately 2% of childhood cancers and even fewer of adulthood cancers (American Cancer Society, 2018a, ACS). People diagnosed with localized osteosarcoma face a 60% to 80% survival rate, with metastatic osteosarcoma decreasing these odds to less than 40% (ACS, 2018c). Survivors of sarcoma experience a host of long-term, life-altering effects; from physical complications such as limb loss, impaired hearing, heart damage, or infertility; to cognitive and psychological effects, such memory loss and mental health issues (ACS, 2018b). It is high time for more promising care for our sarcoma warriors!
‘Steps for Sarcoma’ is a powerful organization in the quest of finding a cure for sarcomas. It funds a number of research studies that seek to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for our sarcoma warriors. This annual fundraiser gives me hope that a brighter future lies ahead for people diagnosed with sarcoma. Please consider donating generously to this worthy organization!
Lauren Esterline
On November 22, 2015, my oldest daughter, Lauren, broke her femur. At the time she was 9 years old. The first hospital we went to suspected it broke due to osteosarcoma. She was taken to Nationwide Children’s Hospital and it was confirmed. My child had cancer. I felt as though our world was falling apart, but I took comfort in knowing that she was being treated at Children’s. I used to work there and knew she was going to receive excellent care.
Lauren had 7 months of aggressive chemotherapy and a total femur replacement using a Stanmore JTS Extendible Implant – a limb-sparing surgery. A wonderful team of surgeons, led by Dr. Scharschmidt, performed the surgery in February 2016. It’s been a long recovery, but it was definitely worth it. She is still in physical therapy twice a week and is continuously improving.
I would never wish this on anyone, especially a child. Throughout this journey, however, we have learned so much and we have much to be grateful for. Our friends, family, community, and medical team have rallied around Lauren and our family, which has given us strength. We have a new perspective on life and we no longer take our time together for granted.
This year Lauren will be starting the 5th grade. She is an honor roll student and one day aspires to become a teacher.
We know how important it is to fund new and current research projects. A big ‘THANK YOU’ to everyone who donates to make the Steps for Sarcoma event a success!
Jocelyn Esterline, Mother of Lauren Esterline
Lauren had 7 months of aggressive chemotherapy and a total femur replacement using a Stanmore JTS Extendible Implant – a limb-sparing surgery. A wonderful team of surgeons, led by Dr. Scharschmidt, performed the surgery in February 2016. It’s been a long recovery, but it was definitely worth it. She is still in physical therapy twice a week and is continuously improving.
I would never wish this on anyone, especially a child. Throughout this journey, however, we have learned so much and we have much to be grateful for. Our friends, family, community, and medical team have rallied around Lauren and our family, which has given us strength. We have a new perspective on life and we no longer take our time together for granted.
This year Lauren will be starting the 5th grade. She is an honor roll student and one day aspires to become a teacher.
We know how important it is to fund new and current research projects. A big ‘THANK YOU’ to everyone who donates to make the Steps for Sarcoma event a success!
Jocelyn Esterline, Mother of Lauren Esterline
Maggie Butler
I am a 33 year old, married mom of two amazing kiddos. Two years ago I was diagnosed with cancer of an unknown origin. In January 2015, the wonderful doctors and pathologists at The New James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute figured out that I had a very rare soft tissue sarcoma called Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor, an aggressive cancer that usually occurs in multiple masses in the abdomen and affects the lymph nodes and lining of the pelvis and abdomen. With very few adults and children that are diagnosed with this every year, it is not a cancer that is well known and the amount of information and medical research is extremely limited.
Since my diagnosis, I have had 4 major surgeries, 12 cycles of high powered inpatient VAC/IE chemotherapy, used an oral immunotherapy, radiation therapy and had additional maintenance chemotherapy. Needless to say, for the past two years, it has been a long road.
My goal has been to bring Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor into the spotlight and make everyone who will listen aware of this ugly disease. Our event team is called Maggie's Madhatters (and many of us wear crazy hats to the event!) and we have been the largest team to attend the event for the past two years and have fundraised for more than $7,500 in two years!
Today I can actually breathe and put a smile on my face. Knowing what this sarcoma is capable of doing to people, I am just happy to be able to say that my scans are clear, as there are many people who cannot say this right now in their fight. I know how fortunate I am right now and know that this may not always be the news in the future, but as of today, I can breathe, be happy, and live in all the wonderful moments that currently surround me. Today is a good day!!
Maggie Butler, Sarcoma Survivor
Since my diagnosis, I have had 4 major surgeries, 12 cycles of high powered inpatient VAC/IE chemotherapy, used an oral immunotherapy, radiation therapy and had additional maintenance chemotherapy. Needless to say, for the past two years, it has been a long road.
My goal has been to bring Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor into the spotlight and make everyone who will listen aware of this ugly disease. Our event team is called Maggie's Madhatters (and many of us wear crazy hats to the event!) and we have been the largest team to attend the event for the past two years and have fundraised for more than $7,500 in two years!
Today I can actually breathe and put a smile on my face. Knowing what this sarcoma is capable of doing to people, I am just happy to be able to say that my scans are clear, as there are many people who cannot say this right now in their fight. I know how fortunate I am right now and know that this may not always be the news in the future, but as of today, I can breathe, be happy, and live in all the wonderful moments that currently surround me. Today is a good day!!
Maggie Butler, Sarcoma Survivor
