Sarcoma REACH is in memory of Diane Jones
(the sister of LWMi co-founder, Dr. Negleatha Johnson) who died on May 29, 2016 from Uterine Leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) Cancer.
What is Sarcoma?
Sarcoma is a rare cancer that starts in connective tissues such as bone, cartilage, and muscle. It develops when the cells that make up these tissues (called mesenchymal cells) begin to grow out of control.
Some types of sarcoma are found in children, while others are more common in adults.
Most cancers are classified as carcinomas, which start in organs such as the lungs, breast, and colon and can be spread through the lymphatic system or blood to other areas of the body. Sarcomas are different, as they generally do not start in organs and rarely spread to the lymph glands. Rather they mostly travel through the blood stream
and may eventually spread to the liver, lungs, and, rarely, the brain.
While sarcomas may arise anywhere in the body, they most often originate in the arms, legs, chest, or abdomen. Sarcomas are often not symptomatic until they are very large and may first be noticed as swelling or a painless lump. As they grow larger they can cause pain or soreness by pressing on surrounding nerves or muscles and eventually spreading to nearby organs. No one knows yet why some people develop these growths and others don’t.
Curing sarcoma usually depends upon discovering the tumor at an early stage. Because sarcomas represent less than 1% of all cancers and are rarely seen by most oncologists, finding the best care can be challenging. Sarcomas can grow without causing any symptoms. Pain or discomfort may occur only once these tumors grow large enough to press against the nerves or muscles.
A bone sarcoma may cause pain and/or swelling in an arm or leg, the trunk, the pelvis, or the back. This area may sometimes feel warm to the touch. Other symptoms include a limited range of motion in a joint, a fever for no known reason, or a bone that breaks from no apparent outward injury.
A soft-tissue sarcoma may cause pain or a feeling of fullness or difficulty breathing.
These symptoms are very general and may also be signs of other medical conditions.
(Source: https://www.cancer.columbia.edu/cancer-types-care/types/sarcoma/about-sarcoma)
Up Close and Personal
Across the two categories of Sarcoma Cancer, bone and soft tissue, there are many
sub-types. Soft tissue sarcomas have more than 70 different subtypes. Leiomyosarcoma is one of those subtypes.
Diane Jones, sister of Life Waters Ministries International’s co-founder, Dr. Negleatha Johnson, was diagnosed with Uterine Leiomyosarcoma Cancer, living just 16 months from diagnosis to death.
Read Dr. Johnson’s personal account of her journey with her sister Diane as the fought this rare and aggressive cancer. Click Diane’s Journey to read more.
Beyond our REACH
Sarcoma REACH is taking the challenges associated with the passing of Diane and putting them to good use so that others with this diagnosis can be informed and supported. Life Waters Ministries Sarcoma REACH is going far beyond the reach of this little-known nonprofit to leave a lasting imprint on Sarcoma Cancer in the areas of RESEARCH, EDUCATION, ACCESS, CURE AND HOPE.
Sarcoma REACH looks to continue to develop its cohort component, bring awareness through workshops and other events, encourage and support under-represented college science majors to partner with Sarcoma Specialists and researchers to learn more about this disease and treatment options -current and future, to search for ways to bring emotional and spiritual support to patients and families, and to partner with other organizations with a Sarcoma Cancer focus.
Our goals are big, but our faith is BIGGER.
Sarcoma REACH At Work
- Develop a three-year Sarcoma REACH Cohort program focused on underrepresented patients with uLMS.
- Heighten education and awareness about uLMS cancer in the community.
- Enhance uLMS patient awareness and access to diverse care.
- Support advanced research and cure for uLMS cancer.
- Establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with the medical community.
- Identify and implement fundraising strategies to increase donors and obtain corporate sponsors and grants.