The Paula Takacs Foundation for Sarcoma Research

09/10/2026

We’re excited to welcome Courtney Billingsley to the Paula Takacs Foundation as our new Development & Operations Manager!

Courtney brings extensive nonprofit experience in event management, fundraising, and operations, along with a genuine passion for mission-driven work. She’ll play an important role in helping us strengthen our events, donor engagement, and day-to-day operations.

We’re so happy to have her on the team. Welcome, Courtney!

Learn more about Courtney and the PTF team:
https://buff.ly/54755tD

09/08/2026

The September PTF Pulse is here!

This month, we’re sharing a look at research at Levine Cancer Institute exploring whether circulating tumor DNA found through a blood draw could potentially provide an earlier signal of sarcoma recurrence.

You’ll also find our recent QC Life feature, highlights from our first PTF Sarcoma Insights webinar, and a look at what’s ahead - including the 2027 Champions Celebration on January 28.

Catch up on the latest from PTF and read the full September edition here: https://buff.ly/06DGegP

09/02/2026

Could a blood test provide an earlier indication that sarcoma has returned or spread?

Dr. Joshua Patt explains one of the questions being explored through an ongoing blood biopsy study: whether circulating tumor DNA in a patient’s blood could potentially serve as an early marker of recurrence or metastatic disease.

It’s an important question and one that could ultimately help researchers better understand how sarcoma can be monitored over time.

Learn more about the study and other sarcoma research currently underway through the Paula Takacs Foundation:

https://paulatakacsfoundation.org/trials-and-studies/

08/20/2026

On Saturday, October 3, Chefs Against Cancer will bring together ten of Charlotte’s premier chefs for an incredible evening celebrating food, community, and the fight against cancer — with proceeds benefiting local cancer organizations, including the Paula Takacs Foundation for Sarcoma Research. 👩‍🍳✨

We’re excited to be part of this special event and want YOU to join us! We’re bringing our PTF community together at a special PTF table, and tickets are $250 per person.

Come enjoy an unforgettable evening hosted by Chefs Against Cancer while helping support the important work happening right here in our community — from funding sarcoma research to providing hope and support for local patients and families. 💙

🎟️ Join the PTF table: https://onecau.se/_myhdf1

We can’t wait to see you there!

A link to Chefs Against Cancer Gala - Join the PTF Table's event page.

08/19/2026

✨ New! PTF Sarcoma Insights

Join us for our new 30-minute educational webinar series connecting the sarcoma community with trusted experts, helpful resources, and practical support.

Our first session features The After Cancer, a digital survivorship program designed to help patients and survivors navigate life during and after cancer.

📅 Wednesday, August 26
⏰ 7:00–7:30 p.m. ET
💻 Via Zoom

🎟️ Register today: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdTqEg7_INv2xq-6ezphUy1b4dx2192rCFwGxgmOa_ZYa7FTA/viewform?usp=publish-editor

08/17/2026

Every breakthrough in sarcoma research begins with a question worth exploring. 🔬

On August 15, the Paula Takacs Foundation opened applications for its 2027 Competitive Research Grant Program, supporting innovative sarcoma research at leading institutions.

Each proposal is independently evaluated by our volunteer Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), whose expertise helps ensure each research dollar is invested in the most promising science.

Today, we’re proud to introduce the physicians and researchers who generously share their time, knowledge and leadership to help guide this process.

Meet our 2027 Scientific Advisory Committee. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to advancing sarcoma research and working toward better treatments — and ultimately, a cure.

Learn more about our current studies and grant beneficiaries: https://paulatakacsfoundation.org/trials-and-studies/

08/13/2026

Medical bills can add another layer of stress during an already difficult time.

If you or a loved one is facing medical expenses, you may have options for financial assistance. Many hospitals offer programs that can reduce or even forgive medical bills for patients who qualify, but figuring out what’s available and how to apply can be overwhelming.

We’ve partnered with Dollar For to help make that process a little easier. Their team provides free support to help patients understand their options and apply for available medical bill assistance programs.

It’s free to check if you qualify, and there’s no obligation to apply.

👉 Swipe through this post to see how to find the Dollar For resource on our website and get started.

See if you qualify for assistance: dollarfor.org/help/

We hope this is one more resource that can help make navigating cancer care a little easier. 💙

08/12/2026

Our Executive Director, Christine DeFalco, recently joined QC Life to share more about Paula’s story, our mission, and the impact your support makes for local sarcoma patients and families.

In the interview we're excited to share that the Paula Takacs Foundation for Sarcoma Research has been selected as one of four local nonprofit beneficiaries of this year’s Chefs Against Cancer Dinner Gala! 💙

📽️ Watch the video: https://qclife.wbtv.com/2026/08/05/paula-takacs-foundation-leading-fight-against-sarcoma/

On Saturday, October 3, ten of Charlotte’s premier chefs will come together for an incredible evening celebrating food, community, and the fight against cancer — with proceeds benefiting local cancer organizations, including PTF. 👩‍🍳✨

We want YOU to join us! We’re bringing our PTF community together at a special PTF table, and tickets are $250 per person.

Come enjoy an unforgettable evening while helping us continue to fund sarcoma research and provide hope and support to local patients and families. 💙

🎟️ Purchase your ticket and join the PTF table: https://onecau.se/_myhdf1

We can’t wait to see you there!

The Paula Takacs Foundation continues life-saving sarcoma research and family support as a proud beneficiary of upcoming Chefs Against Cancer event.

08/10/2026

The Seasons of Life installation is more than a work of art; it's a lasting tribute to the lives, memories, and hope that connect our community.

We're grateful to All-In to Fight Cancer for their generous support in helping bring this meaningful project to life. We invite you to watch this special tribute celebrating their partnership and the impact of the Growing Hope Through Art program.

A limited number of tribute blossoms are still available for those who wish to honor or remember someone special through the Seasons of Life installation.

🌸 Make a tribute: https://growinghopethroughart.org/donate-to-the-seasons-of-life-installation/

📽️ Watch the video: https://youtu.be/eCQgrfyrwxk?si=fo5Z93PcH0bSD3i5

Learn about how our foundation's Growing Hope Through Art program h...

08/05/2026

"It's okay to not be strong all the time. It's okay to be angry and upset. But keep living." — Dr. Bilasan Hammo

A pediatric gastroenterology fellow who cared for children with cancer, Bilasan became a patient herself at 30 — diagnosed with metastatic Ewing sarcoma, then a second cancer, then a relapse. Through it all, her faith, family, and medical team carried her forward.

🎥 Watch her full story now on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/OuGmydW0w88?si=yfr67qpK9OxLFI96

Like, comment, and share to help spread sarcoma awareness. 🎗️

At just 33 years old, Dr. Bilasan Hammo has experienced medicine fr...