We are a resource for patients and families touched by sarcomas, an uncommon and often misdiagnosed group of bone and soft tissue cancers that strike children and adults alike. We are a nationally-known sarcoma foundation and provide support to patients and loved ones all across the world. Founded in Minnesota in 2001, we have funded over $2 million in innovative, collaborative and high-impact research and education initiatives at top medical research institutions such as Mayo Clinic, the University of Minnesota, and Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota.
Our Mission
Our three-pronged mission: educating the public and medical community about sarcomas, supporting sarcoma patients and their loved ones, and funding research directed toward developing new treatments and finding a cure for sarcoma cancers.
Education
Our high-impact education programs increase awareness about sarcoma cancers among the medical community and the general public.
Support
We are dedicated to supporting sarcoma patients, survivors, and those who have lost a loved one to sarcoma. Our year-round events will give you a chance to meet and connect with other sarcoma patients and survivors.
Fund Research
We have funded over 2 million dollars in sarcoma research at top universities and medical institutions in MN such as Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota that have propelled groundbreaking treatments.
Our Story
Rein in Sarcoma was created by Karen Wyckoff in 2001 to raise awareness and fund cures for sarcoma cancers. The event, which is now our Annual Party in the Park, was held at the Cafesjian’s Carousel, located on the grounds of Como Park in St. Paul, MN. Karen died from Synovial Sarcoma a month after the first event was held. Since then, hundreds gather on a Monday evening in July to rein in sarcoma, and to celebrate Karen’s dream of “a world without sarcoma cancers”.
u003cemu003eThrough our actions we are sewing our own legacy; a legacy that will live on long after we are gone. No one can take away the memories and love that a person has left behind.u003c/emu003e
Our Symbols
The Sunflower
A symbol of hope, the sunflower is used by sarcoma communities around the globe to remind those affected by sarcoma that they are not alone and they are strong.
The Carousel Horse
The carousel horse is the cornerstone of our logo, as the first Party in the Park was held at the Cafesjian’s Carousel currently located at Como Park in St. Paul, MN. The carousel horse reminds us all of Karen’s dream of a world without sarcoma cancers.
Our Team
Lachelle Semanko
Executive Directorexecdirector@reininsarcoma.org
Katy Engelby
Education and Communications Managermarketing@reininsarcoma.org
Joe Osterbauer Lopez
Office Manageradmin@reininsarcoma.org
2023 Board of Directors
Eric Lien
Presidentpresident@reininsarcoma.org
Conner O’Brien
Vice Presidentvpresident@reininsarcoma.org
Mitch Atherton
Treasurer
treasurer@reininsarcoma.org
Maureen Anderson
John Charlson, MD
Brendan Dillon
Andrea Espejo-Freire, MD
Laura Gagne
Blake Hastings
David Largaespada, PhD
Scott Okuno, MD
Jason Patalonis
Stephanie Terezakis, MD
Emeritus Board Members
- Pete Wyckoff, Rein in Sarcoma Co-founder
- Sue Wyckoff, Rein in Sarcoma Co-founder
- Edward Cheng, MD
- Tom Dougherty
- Kathryn Dusenbery, MD
- Mike Trucano
Amanda Parkes, MD
Medical Director – Oncology, Early DevelopmentUniversity of Minnesota
L. Chinsoo Cho, MD, MS
Radiation Oncologist
Kathryn Dusenbery, MD
Professor and Department Head, Department of Radiation Oncology
Jutta Ellerman, MD
Associate Professor, Department of Radiology
Emily Greengard, MD
Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology and BMT
Christian Ogilvie, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon, Associate Professor, RIS Medical Advisory ChairStephanie Terezakis, MD
Professor, Department of Radiation OncologyMayo Clinic – Minnesota
Scott H. Okuno, MD
Oncology, Orthopedic Oncology
Steven I. Robinson, MBBS
OncologistMayo Clinic – Arizona
Safia Ahmed, MD
Radiation OncologistChildren’s Minnesota
Julie Chu, MD
Hematology-Oncology, PediatricRegions Hospitals – HealthPartners
Randy Hurley, MD
Medical Director Cancer Program, HealthPartnersFinancial Information
RIS is a non-profit 501-C-3 Tax exempt organization, with a small professional staff supporting a largely volunteer run organization. All members of its Board of Directors serve without compensation. The Board has instituted a “Conflict of Interest and Discharge of Duties” policy to protect the interests of RIS to fully carry out its mission. A copy of this policy can be secured by email.