Partnering for Progress
Your osteosarcoma science fund with our support and infrastructure
The Osteosarcoma Institute (OSI) often works with like-minded families and foundations wishing to co-fund osteosarcoma research studies and trials with the assistance of our organization. Raising funds in honor of a loved one is no small task, and we make it easier by managing many of the logistical aspects.
Join us in supporting osteosarcoma research that is making a difference today. Whether through an existing fund or starting a new one, your contribution helps bring us closer to a cure. Together, we can create a brighter future for those battling osteosarcoma. To learn more about Partnering for Progress, please contact our Director of Development, Vanessa (Peterson) Montemayor, at giving@osinst.org.
Miles of Hope Fund
In 2022, Ingrid and David Hartz established the Miles of Hope Fund at the OSI in honor of their teenage son, Miles. Tragically, Miles passed away from osteosarcoma at the age of 17 on June 25, 2023 after a five-year battle against the disease. As of March 2025, the Miles of Hope Fund has raised more than $450,000. In 2022, the Hartz family chose to support osteosarcoma research conducted by Dr. Richard Gorlick at MD Anderson Cancer Center. In 2023-2025, they are supporting a study led by Dr. Poul Sorensen at the University of British Columbia. Support their fight by making a donation to their fund today.
SAVE THE DATE: Join us for the 2025 Race for Hope go-kart fundraiser on May 9, 2025 at Speedsportz Racing Park outside of Houston, Texas!
Sid and Karen Sijbrandij
In 2024, Sid and Karen Sijbrandij established their family fund at the OSI to support a promising osteosarcoma research study led by Dr. Seth Pollack.
The Scott Shockley Foundation
Founded in memory of Scott Shockley, who lost his battle with osteosarcoma in July 2013, the Scott Shockley Foundation continues to support osteosarcoma research. In 2023, the Shockley family supported Dr. Jason Yustein’s immunotherapy study for high-risk osteosarcoma at Emory University. In 2025, they have chosen to support a new research study by Dr. Robin Parihar.
TeamIzzy Foundation Research Fund
The TeamIzzy Foundation Research Fund at OSI was established in honor of Izzy Martin, an osteosarcoma patient who raised nearly $300,000 for osteosarcoma research before her passing in 2022. As of December 2024, the fund has raised $760,000. All donations go directly to breakthrough osteosarcoma research. Izzy’s mother, Christine, says, “Izzy’s wish is that one day, no child will have to go through what she did.” Support #TeamIzzy’s Fund by making a donation to the OSI in Izzy’s memory.
Shumiestrong Osteosarcoma Science Fund
In 2024, Elizabeth and Jim Shumadine established the Shumiestrong Osteosarcoma Science Fund at the OSI to honor their son Sam, who passed away from osteosarcoma in January 2024. Last year, the Shumadine family directed Sam’s fund donations toward Dr. Brian Crompton’s liquid biopsy study at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. In 2025, they are supporting Dr. Robin Parihar’s groundbreaking study on CAR-T therapies at Baylor College of Medicine.
Team Lydia Osteosarcoma Science Fund
The Team Lydia Osteosarcoma Science Fund at the OSI was created in 2022 by Jessica and Steve Alwan to support osteosarcoma research. Lydia Alwan, who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2019, has been cancer-free for over three years. To date, the fund has raised more than $147,000 and currently supports Dr. Poul Sorensen’s research at the University of British Columbia.
SAVE THE DATE: The 3rd Annual Team Lydia Give Kids a Shot Charity Golf Tournament will take place on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at the Winchester Country Club in Meadow Vista, CA!
Lizzy’s Osteosarcoma Science Fund
Founded in 2020, Lizzy’s Osteosarcoma Science Fund has raised over $151,600 as of December 2024. The fund was established in honor of Lizzy Wampler, who tragically lost her battle with osteosarcoma. Lizzy’s parents have chosen to support the OSI’s broader research efforts to address the most urgent needs in osteosarcoma treatment.
SAVE THE DATE: Join us for Lizzy’s 8th Annual Walk of Faith 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, October 4, 2025 in Columbia, MO!
Fabulous Faith’s Foundation
Founded in memory of 10-year-old Faith Rose Lautzenheiser, who passed away after a 10-month battle with osteosarcoma, Fabulous Faith’s Foundation has generously provided $75,000 to support osteosarcoma research. The foundation has helped support three osteosarcoma research projects, with one named for Faith, the foundation’s inspiration. They selected Dr. Sweet-Cordero’s research on the activation of STING as a therapeutic strategy in osteosarcoma to name after Faith. Learn more.