In April 2022 after 9 months of persistent worsening pain in my thigh, several MRIs and visits to the Orthopedist with no answers I finally felt a tiny lump. This led to another visit and a more focused MRI that determined I had a very small mass in my thigh. I later found out that this spot was on all my previous scans and not properly identified or reviewed and had been steadily growing all that time.

Based on how tiny the mass was, I was told it was “probably nothing” but I needed to go see a specialist. Luckily, I was connected with a Sarcoma specialist at Hackensack Meridian / Jersey Shore Medical Center. At the time, I didn’t realize just how important that was. Due to the size of the mass, even the specialist thought it was probably benign but took it incredibly seriously anyway. I had a biopsy done and confirmed my worst fear - the tiny little lump in my thigh, that had been causing my excruciating pain, was cancer.

I am so incredibly grateful that I had so much pain and caught the tumor while it was still very small so it did not have a chance to metastasize. At the end of June (almost a full year after I started feeling pain) I had surgery to remove the tumor, achieving clean margins, followed by localized radiation and have been routinely monitored with MRIs and CT scans to ensure the disease hasn’t returned or spread anywhere else. I had the BEST possible outcome and feel beyond blessed to have such a wonderful team of Oncologists, nurses, and medical staff who have helped to make this journey as positive as possible. While I wish no one had to be a part of it, I can not begin to describe the amazing Sarcoma community and what an incredible support system it is. 

I had never even heard of Sarcoma until my diagnosis. What I learned through my journey is that most people haven’t and because it’s rare, it is often missed, misdiagnosed or treated without knowledge of the protocols to give the best prognosis and outcomes. I just celebrated 3 years NED (no evidence of disease) and I am determined to help others battling this terrible disease in any way that I can - raising awareness and funding so that others can say the same.

This is our 4th year participating in this event and I just want to send the biggest, most heartfelt THANK YOU to our family, friends and everyone who has supported us throughout the years. The outpouring of love and support is something that got us (and I say us because this disease impacts so many more people than just the patient - our families feel that burden too) through the worst of it and being able to give back in a meaningful way has given us purpose.