We are two moms, Brandy Riddle and Julie Harp, who share a common goal to honor our children while making a difference for others. Together with friends we will participate in the events of July Sarcoma awareness month in hopes of bringing awareness, advocacy and support to the Sarcoma Community.
The Sarcoma Foundation of America's (SFA) advocacy weekend will be held in Washington, D.C. July 17-19,2025. The weekend will provide opportunities to engage with elected officials and host a sarcoma education day! On Saturday, July 19th SFA will host a Race to Cure Sarcoma in Washington, D.C. as well as a virtual Race to Cure Sarcoma, where many across the country will participate in a race location convenient to them. July is national Sarcoma awareness month; with each step we take during July we will remember with gratitude the individuals we choose to honor. Here are their stories:
Aspen Skye Riddle Aspen is the daughter Steve and Brandy Riddle. Aspen shared her courageous spirit and love with everyone she encountered. Aspen endured multiple treatments, continued to live life in the midst of uncertainties and always looked beyond herself focusing on those around her and their emotions. Like her mom and sister, through her talent as a hair dresser Aspen made others feel beautiful and well cared for. On June 13, 2019 Aspen passed away at the age of 27. Her fiancé, their two beautiful sons, two bonus daughters, her parents, siblings and extended family and friends now share her legacy of courage and strength.
Donald Allen Harp III Don is the oldest of Allen and Julie Harp's three children. If you met Don, you noticed his dark thick hair, his piercing blue eyes and his contagious smile. Those physical features drew you in but it was his caring, kind and genuine soul that captured you. Diagnosed with a cardiac Sarcoma at the age of 24, Don, like Aspen, continued to live life in the midst of a devastating diagnosis. Despite the challenges of multiple chemotherapy and radiation treatments as well as two major surgeries, Don laughed, remained strong and always thought of those around him and how his disease affected them. At the age of 26, Don passed away leaving his parents, two siblings, a large family and a legion of friends to continue to live life to its fullest in his honor.
Our families dream of a time when no family walks the Sarcoma journey we have experienced. Aspen and Don had delayed diagnosis, few viable treatment options and poor prognosis. We want for others what we did not have. Better treatments, education for early diagnosis and national awareness. In honor of our saints, we carry on their tradition of thinking beyond ourselves.
