Go Gold For Childhood Cancer

Cancer treatment makes kids sick. So sick that their bodies start to deteriorate. This is why SDF is proud to support Dr. Daniel Runco’s research focused on one of the most overlooked challenges in pediatric cancer care: cancer cachexia. A condition that can cause severe weight loss, muscle wasting, and quite frankly is a pretty hard way to live.

Dr. Runco is studying how a protein called GDF15 contributes to these changes and exploring new ways to stay strong during treatment, recover more fully, and have healthier futures. We know that surviving cancer is more than just years of life, it’s giving kids a chance to thrive and live well. 💛🎗️

To learn more visit: https://www.samdayfoundation.org/research-projects/150k-to-dr-daniel-runco-at-seattle-childrens-for-pediatric-cancer-research

Seattle Children's

July is Sarcoma Awareness Month🌻💛
Meet Madison Marie! At just 20 years old, Madison was diagnosed with Chondroblastic Osteosarcoma. Her only symptom was back pain, which she initially thought was related to her job as a caregiver for disabled veterans. After months of physical therapy without answers, Madison was finally sent for an MRI. The scan revealed a mass in her pelvis. Madison then underwent 15 rounds of chemotherapy. Shortly after finishing chemotherapy, she underwent a 14 hour hemipelvectomy to remove the right side of her pelvis where the cancer was. Following surgery, Madison completed another 15 rounds of chemo.
In January 2025, Madison received the news everyone hoped for, that she was in remission. In April 2025, she proudly rang the bell, marking the end of her treatment. Madison worked through intense therapy to learn how to walk again and rebuild her strength. With the help of a cane, she regained her independence and even traveled for the summer. Horrifically, In September 2025, Madison began experiencing back pain again. She was told the pain could be expected with more demanding activities. But Madison knew something wasn’t right. She contacted her doctors again, but no further action was taken at that time.
In mid December, Madison had a telehealth appointment with her orthopedic surgeon. Seeing the severity of her pain, he ordered an MRI. The MRI was performed on December 27th 2025.
On January 1st, 2026, Madison received devastating news, that there was another mass in her sacrum. A biopsy on January 14th confirmed that the cancer had returned. This time, the tumor was inoperable. During this time, Madison was pregnant. With incredible strength and love, Madison fought to keep her pregnancy viable. On June 8th, 2026, she welcomed her daughter into the world at 30 weeks via emergency C section.
Today, Madison is receiving inpatient hospice care in the hospital, where she continues to fight and she was been given a two month life expectancy💔

🔗: https://gofund.me/d5d457541

🔗: https://lnkd.in/p/eX_aC8a9