What is Stop Sarcoma? What are its objectives? (what is Sarcoma?)
Stop Sarcoma is a club I started last year in memory of my father, who died of Sarcoma in 2007. Sarcoma is cancer of bone, cartilage, and fat tissue. The money we raise goes to Sarcoma research at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston to help save lives and extend the time families have with their loved ones.
How do you go about achieving these objectives?
We’ve raised money by selling food, hats, and T-shirts. Most recently we raised money and awareness through an Open Mic Night in Baker Theater. It is great so many people got involved to showcase Brunswick’s great musical talent.
What other organizations are you allied with?
The money we raise goes to Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.
How have you been operating at Brunswick? (club attendance, population, sales, etc)
Usually I hold a meeting with the 30 or so members in the club once a week. In these meetings we decide how we will raise money and how we will organize sales and events. In these meetings members also volunteer to help out with the sales or events.
How did you officially make this year’s Open Mic Night the “Stop Sarcoma Open Mic Night?”
I asked Mr. Philip last year and worked out a date for the event. Mr. Philip was supportive of raising money for Stop Sarcoma and at the same time supporting the Brunswick music program.
Why is Sarcoma an especially important issue to you and the community?
Sarcoma is an especially important issue to me because my dad died of sarcoma after battling it for 18 years. Most people don’t understand what sarcoma is, but if caught early and treated aggressively the life expectancy is much greater. Like many other cancers, sarcoma is a disease that can only be treated, never cured. Sarcoma also varies widely from person to person and over the course of one’s life, so different people require very different frequently changing treatments. The money we give to Dana Farber will go to help find new treatments, to lengthen the lives of those with the disease and raise awareness of the disease.
What is something any person can do to help fight sarcoma?
To help fight sarcoma, any person can go to https://www.kintera.org/site/c.kfINKTOzFqG/b.5879199/k.59AE/Giving_and_Volunteering/apps/ka/sd/donorcustom.asp. Just select “Sarcoma and Bone Cancers” and the money you give will go to sarcoma research at Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
Open Mic Night appeared to be a success, what do you think?
I definitely agree. We raised a lot from so much support and each act was really great. Everyone who performed was fantastic.
Where does “Stop Sarcoma” go from here?
Next year we’ll have another Open Mic Night, and we’ll continue to raise money through sales. Any other event we think of we’ll try to organize for next year as well.
Is there anything else people should know about you and your club?
Any money donated to the Dana Farber Sarcoma department would be greatly appreciated. I have provided the information above.
Thanks to Mac Singer and Stop Sarcoma for organizing such a great event!
