Northside Hospital Hosts Sarcoma Awareness Sunset Stroll

From Northside Hospital: The Northside Hospital Cancer Institute is pleased to host the annual Sarcoma Awareness Sunset Stroll at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24 at the Pavilion at Blackburn Park in Brookhaven.

Join this leisurely sunset stroll through the park where sarcoma patients and their families, caregivers and friends are honored and remembered all while raising awareness about the disease.

Sarcomas are cancers that develop from connective tissues of the body such as bones, cartilage, fat, muscles, nerve tissue, fibrous tissues or blood vessels. They account for just one percent of cancers in adults. According to the American Cancer Society, there will be about 14,000 new cases of sarcomas in the U.S. this year. About a third of those patients will die from the disease. Because sarcomas are so rare (1 percent of adult solid cancers), many patients are not familiar with the disease prior to diagnosis.

“This lack of awareness can cause patients anxiety and a feeling that they are ‘alone’ in their journey,” said Georgia Cancer Specialists’ Dr. Gina D’Amato, who started the Sunset Stroll in 2013. “The Sunset Stroll gives patients, loved ones and health care providers a chance to meet one another and exchange experiences, which in turn will give them hope and encouragement.”

The 2017 Sarcoma Awareness Sunset Stroll begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Pavilion at Blackburn Park, 3493 Ashford Dunwoody Road in Brookhaven.

“Equally important is the awareness to the community the Sarcoma Stroll can add to the cause,” D’Amato said. “We planned the event in Blackburn Park, so hopefully others will see it, ask questions and learn about sarcoma. The more people know about this type of cancer, the better.”

Come early and buy dinner from the Blackburn Park food trucks or bring your own picnic. The event is free to participate, however, donations are welcomed.

All proceeds go to educate, treat and support patients at the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute.
This is a family, wheelchair and pet friendly event. For more information and to register, call 404-531-4444 or visit give.northside.com/sarcomawalk. All registrants receive a free T-shirt.

Image via Pixabay