SARC Talk

In this episode of SARC Talk, we welcome Dr. Sandra D’Angelo, MD and Dr. Andrea Napolitano, MD, to discuss Clear Cell Sarcoma (CCS) and the international collaboration behind SARC045, a Phase II study of tebentafusp in HLA-A2 patients with advanced CCS. The conversation explores their career paths into sarcoma, what makes Clear Cell Sarcoma biologically unique, how patient advocacy helped shape the trial, and why partnering with SARC was key to launching this study across the US and UK.

This episode of SARC Talk, features Wendy Vanderbilt—a three-year myxofibrosarcoma survivor whose life story is as remarkable as her cancer journey. Born in a county jail, Wendy’s life began with adversity and grew into a powerful story of resilience. Wendy walks us through her sarcoma diagnosis, the challenges of delayed recognition, and the importance of self-advocacy in rare cancers. She offers heartfelt advice for newly diagnosed patients and caregivers, and leaves listeners with a message about sarcoma—and life—that stays with you. https://sarctrials.org/patient-resources/

In Episode 33, Dr. Scott Okuno chats with Dr. Elsa Nisswandt Keeler — retired pediatrician, chondrosarcoma survivor, and dedicated advocate. They discuss her sarcoma journey, work with Rein in Sarcoma, new role on SARC’s Research Advocacy Committee, and how she's turning experience into impact.

This episode of SARC Talk speaks with Jeff Kramer, Founder of the Chondrosarcoma Foundation, and Jamie Elliott, sarcoma survivor and advocate. Both share their personal journeys with Chondrosarcoma, a rare bone cancer, and discuss advocacy, treatment challenges, and raising awareness through efforts like Smashing Sarcoma. An inspiring conversation about strength, community, and driving progress for rare sarcomas.

https://csfshayna.org/

https://smashingsarcoma.org/

https://usapickleball.org/

In this special episode, we sit down with Lachelle Semanko, a passionate advocate and leader at RIS (Rein In Sarcoma), a Minnesota-based nonprofit dedicated to increasing awareness, advocacy, and collaboration in the fight against sarcoma. Lachelle shares her personal journey to RIS and dives into the organization’s origin story and national growth. You'll learn how RIS is uniquely structured around three core pillars that extend beyond sarcoma subtypes, focusing instead on uniting patients, families, medical professionals, and researchers through community, education, and support. We explore the challenges of raising awareness for this rare and often overlooked cancer, and how RIS uses innovative programs and partnerships to spread the word—especially during Sarcoma Awareness Month in July. From educational outreach to community events, Lachelle walks us through the impact RIS is making, one connection at a time. We also talk fundraising, medical center collaboration, and how RIS is investing in the future of sarcoma care and research.