Celebrate RIS’s Named Fund Honorees. You will also see their stories throughout November in Rein in Sarcoma’s social media and highlighted on the Named Funds page of our website. RIS Named Funds help sustain and support Rein in Sarcoma’s mission and help “Increase awareness. Increase survivors.” If you’d like to make a donation to the Rein in Sarcoma mission, visit our website.
Wade
In October 2006, Wade noticed a small knot in his leg and assumed it was a pulled muscle. By Christmas, the knot was troublesome and painful. MRI results showed Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma at the age of 32. Wade went to war with soft tissue sarcoma. Neither would meet a tougher opponent. Chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, another surgery, more chemotherapy, more radiation, continued chemotherapy, and forays into drug trials. The battle raged on for eight years. There was no surrender. There was affection and acceptance. When the battle ended, there was peace. Wade did not lose his life to cancer. Wade fulfilled what was promised, in his chosen time. Wade passed away on February 7, 2015. Wade’s family has established the RIS Wade Hohol Fund. Read Wade’s full story and to donate to his fund.
Brett
Brett went to the doctor Nov. 15, 2010, to see about a pain in his upper abdomen, expecting a muscle tear or strain. Instead, they found a softball-size tumor growing in his upper abdomen. Ten days later the diagnosis was devastating – metastatic Ewing Sarcoma. Brett was scared, but he was ready for a fight. He never backed down from challenges! He endured brutal chemotherapy, escalating pain, and increasingly debilitating weakness. He was getting so sick so fast that it didn’t seem real. On Feb. 9, 2011, surrounded by family, filled with peace and love, and with no regrets, Brett passed way. The Dale family established an RIS Named Fund. Read Brett’s full story and donate to his fund.
Katelyn
Katie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma the summer before her junior year of high school. By the time she was diagnosed, her entire right femur had been taken over by the cancer. Over the course of the next 13 months, she had aggressive chemo treatments, multiple surgeries, and countless hours of physical therapy. Katie was not going to miss her first day of her senior year. She came to school with IV fluids running, bandanna on her head and again, that huge smile on her face. Katie made the most of every minute of her senior year. In September of 2005, her cancer had returned in her leg. She was given a choice; amputate her leg or die within 3 months. She chose the amputation and adapted quickly. She tried various treatments including chemo, radiation, and more surgery. She went back to college, back to work, and she traveled to as many places as she could, traveling as far as Paris and Alaska. She packed as much life into every day as she could. Her spirit kept her going as long as it could, but her battle was over on February 22, 2007. Katie’s family have established a RIS Named Fund in her honor. Read Katelyn’s full story and donate to her fund.
Perry
Perry was feeling “off” and extremely tired during the fall of 2011. A doctor told him (TWICE!) it was nothing…”drink more water and get more rest.” In the spring of 2012, all hell broke loose and Perry was diagnosed with bladder cancer and prostate cancer. In the spring of 2013, he was diagnosed with stage 4 Leiomyosarcoma. For almost three years, Perry managed to remain cancer free until removal of a fourth cancer, Basal Cell Carcinoma. In February 2019, sadly both bladder cancer and sarcoma returned. There was nothing more the doctors could do and Perry was placed in hospice. Even with a terminal diagnosis, Perry stayed positive and stretched hours into almost two weeks so he could say his final goodbyes to his loved ones. Perry died February 28, 2019, surrounded by family and friends. Read Perry’s full story and donate to his fund.