According to The Osteosarcoma Institute Trustee and Strategic Advisory Board Member Bret Alexander,
“I’m passionate about curing osteosarcoma after losing my best friend, Willie (son of Highland Park residents Lisa and Mac Tichenor), to the disease in 2006. I am a founding board member of The Osteosarcoma Institute and I hope to use the experience I have developed in understanding the priorities and opportunities in curing osteosarcoma to facilitate the connection of thought leadership and funding that will bring new treatments to osteosarcoma patients.
“The Dallas-based Osteosarcoma Institute’s (OSI) mission is to dramatically increase treatment options and survival rates for osteosarcoma patients by identifying and funding the most promising and breakthrough osteosarcoma clinical trials and science, and ultimately finding a cure for osteosarcoma. Globally estimated, there are over 26,000 new cases of osteosarcoma diagnosed each year, with 900 being diagnosed in the United States. Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone tumor seen in children/adolescents and young adults between the ages of 10 and 30. The overwhelming majority of cases require both surgery and chemotherapy for curative treatment, but about 1/3 of cases will relapse and metastasize (spread to other sites in the body) with dire implications for the patients’ survival. There have been no new treatment options approved for osteosarcoma in nearly 40 years. Our goals are to remove obstacles, fund advancements, accelerate progress, and raise awareness of osteosarcoma in Dallas/Fort Worth and in communities across the United States. As a virtual institute, we are not limited by geography, primary institutions, or traditional review methods; we are free to set the agenda in osteosarcoma research.
“Our wish for 2021 is to expand support for #TeamIzzy’s Osteosarcoma Science Fund at the OSI. Izzy Martin is a Preston Hollow resident and middle school student who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in February 2020, and who has relapsed. She was recently nominated for Park Cities/Preston Hollow People – Reader’s Choice Person of the Year for her desire to continue to give back to her community, despite her courageous battle with osteosarcoma. This fund will be used to support a new and innovative clinical trial or research study. Children like Izzy, who have metastases (especially in rare places) rely on hope for a breakthrough from work like ours. According to Izzy, ‘research and trials are necessary to help kids like me. The more we talk about it, the more people will know and the more they can help.’
“To find a cure for osteosarcoma, we must collaborate, innovate, and translate around the most promising science and we cannot do that without your support and generosity. Your gifts will help us continue our mission to fund the most promising and breakthrough osteosarcoma clinical trials and science. Sadly, 1 out of 3 children diagnosed with osteosarcoma will not survive, and no new treatment options have been approved for these patients in nearly 40 years. As you look for ways to give this holiday season, consider supporting The Osteosarcoma Institute so we can improve survival rates, increase treatment options, and accelerate progress toward finding a cure for patients like Izzy.”
*Graphic/photo provided by The Osteosarcoma Institute
