My name is Acacia Fellner I graduated from high school on Thursday, May, 26, 2022 and 19 hours later received news that would forever change my life. The MRI results from my so I thought injured knee came in. I found out I had a tumor in my knee, believed to be Osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Only around 1,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States a year, and it is often called the forgotten  and misdiagnosed cancer. Late that night I went to UC Davis. Over the next few days I received many tests, x-rays, scans, and hard conversations… conversations I never imagined I would be having. On Tuesday it was verified I had Grade 3, High Grade Metastatic Osteosarcoma. As well as a fracture in my femur was found, caused by the tumor. I had a large tumor in my femur bone just above my knee cap. As well as concerning nodules in my lungs. An amazing team of doctors had been put together and a treatment plan was set. Everything happened so fast I don’t remember having a chance to take a breath. I began the fight of my life. That Wednesday I had my port put in and started chemotherapy on Friday. My treatment course was the standard protocol called MAP (Methotrexate, Doxorubicin, Cisplatin) and major surgery. Since I was diagnosed I have had many casts, I lost my hair, been poked more times than I can count, I have done 6 cycles of chemotherapy and dealt with horrendous side affects, underwent a 6 hour Limb Salvage Surgery, Open chest surgery, and much more. Needless to say anyone who has to experience this in there life time are badass warriors. March, 1, 2023 I went into remission and I am thankful to be alive. My Journey is long from over but I continue to be brave and show strength everyday. Since being in remission I have grabbed life by the reins and have not let anything get in my way. I am a huge advocate for the cancer community! The cancer community has given me a second family surrounded by so much love and strength. I am currently writing a book about my cancer journey packed with all the tips and tricks to get through a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Specifically everything they do not tell you! I am fulfilling my dream of becoming a nurse and have been in a nursing program the last couple months. I am so excited for the day I can tell a child that is nervous with a new cancer diagnosis that I truly understand because I have been in there place. What a special and meaningful opportunity as a nurse. Being diagnosed with cancer can be very lonely... the Race To Cure Sarcoma is an incredible event that I am beyond thankful for, this will be my 3rd year attending. I love every single person I meet each year and carry them with me in life. My best friend Katie Histing was supposed to be attending with me this year, she passed in November of 2024 and will be with me in spirit. I am so excited to make her proud this year. She was and still is a true badass warrior who fought Ewing Sarcoma for many years. My tradition each year is to bring my handmade warrior poster boards with the names of hundred of sarcoma fighters all around the world so they know they are being thought of at this event and in our hearts. This year I am making the biggest board yet. Let's get pumped up and work together to continue the fight to cure this horrendous disease SARCOMA. I appreciate everyones support from donations to kind wishes. Thank you for supporting my team and I look forward to seeing many familiar and new faces. 

Thanks to the Race to Cure Sarcoma events, SFA has invested over $20 million in sarcoma research, funding over 200 grants in 12 countries leading to close to 200 total publications, adding to the sarcoma research discourse. This has led to $26 million+ in additional funding, 10+ clinical trials with 5 additional pending, and 2 patents. Your investment in the RTCS events, is an investment in saving lives.