While the scientific community conducts innovative research to uncover more effective treatments for osteosarcoma, a growing number of osteosarcoma advocates are banding together to accelerate progress. In 2017, the QuadW Foundation launched the Osteosarcoma Institute (OSI) as a virtual research institute to cure osteosarcoma or dramatically increase survival rates. Now, the OSI’s Board of Ambassadors is working to assemble a network of volunteers devoted to expanding the institute’s impact.
The Board of Ambassadors formed in July 2023. Its purpose is to accelerate the OSI’s efforts in bringing new treatments to osteosarcoma patients by developing strategic relationships and fundraising opportunities.
“I want to be very bold saying that our goal is to cure this disease,” says Board Chair David Hartz. “Our ultimate goal is to eradicate osteosarcoma, rendering the disease obsolete and removing it from the lives it affects. The Board of Ambassadors is a crucial catalyst in realizing this bold ambition.”
‘We Need People to Take Action’
In the past year, David and the OSI staff have recruited 42 members to the board from across the U.S. and Canada, many of whom serve in honor or memory of a loved one with osteosarcoma. David himself lost his son, Miles, to the disease in June 2023. His wife, Ingrid, is a Board of Ambassadors member and committee co-chair.
David says that solving osteosarcoma is going to require the efforts of a larger number of people willing to take action to end osteosarcoma.
“The osteosarcoma community is so passionate and giving,” David says. “But this is a complex disease, and the power of collaboration cannot be overstated. Now is the time to extend our network beyond our immediate connections and invite others to join our cause and make a difference in this disease.
“I would much rather have a hundred people who are emboldened and passionate enough to make an impact on this disease, over a thousand people who simply provide financial support,” he says. “While we appreciate the monetary contributions, we need people to take action as well. Raising money alone is not our primary goal. With passionate advocacy we have the opportunity to significantly amplify research funding; the money will naturally follow when we create meaningful impact.”
