The Osteosarcoma Institute

OSI is proud to launch Junior Ambassadors, an osteosarcoma advocacy community group for kids, teens, and young adults ages 26 and younger.

Whether they are a sibling, cousin, or friend — as in the case of Hope Faith Wiggins (pictured here) — the Junior Ambassadors group gives kids a chance to take action for their loved ones, advocating on their behalf and supporting the cause in tribute to them.

Junior Ambassadors prove that no matter your age, you can make a difference in advocating for osteosarcoma research and better patient outcomes.

Learn more about ways to get involved with OSI: osinst.org/ways-to-help

Planned giving is a powerful way to support osteosarcoma research. Whether you’re a young professional or a retiree, there are several easy ways to give a transformational gift that will help us find a cure.

Our first webinar session will be held Wednesday, June 24, at 10 a.m. CDT. Sign up here: osinst.org/2026-planned-giving-virtual-sessions

OSI is thrilled to announce Theodora Ross, MD, PhD, as the newest member of our Strategic Advisory Board (SAB).

Dr. Ross currently serves as chief development officer at IDEAYA Biosciences, where she leads clinical development of the company’s precision oncology pipeline. She learned about OSI through Mac Tichenor and realized the need to do better for patients with osteosarcoma.

“I hope to bring my expertise and experience in multiple areas of cancer biology, drug discovery, and drug development to the discussion on how we can make real progress against osteosarcoma and other cancers,” Dr. Ross says.

Learn more about Dr. Ross and the other SAB members: https://osinst.org/about/

Osteosarcoma is one of the most challenging cancers to treat, in part, because of its massively altered genome. While healthy cells follow a clear instruction manual, chromosomes in these tumors break into hundreds or thousands of pieces and reassemble in unexpected ways.

OSI is funding a groundbreaking collaboration between the Pellman and Sweet-Cordero labs to study this aspect of osteosarcoma. By targeting specific genes, researchers hope to discover new treatments that destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.

Read the story: https://osinst.org/blog/gene-research-story

Thank you to Ledger Dispatch and Sarah Ross for sharing Brendan Ross's osteosarcoma journey and hand helping shine a light on the urgent need for more research.

Brendan was just 14 years old when he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. Since then, he has endured numerous surgeries and months of chemotherapy, facing every challenge with incredible strength and determination. His courage has inspired not only his family and friends, but an entire community.

Stories like Brendan's remind us why our work matters. Every child, teen, and young adult diagnosed with osteosarcoma deserves better treatment options and more hope for the future.

If Brendan's story moves you, please consider making a gift in his honor, or in honor of a loved one affected by osteosarcoma. Together, we can help advance the research that patients and families are counting on.

💛 Donate today: https://osinst.org/donate

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1605724354893064&id=100063665433887&mibextid=wwXIfr

The Camdenbaileycancerfoundation has joined OSI’s Partnering for Progress program with a $25,000 gift. Camden’s Quest 2 Cure Fund at OSI was established in honor of Camden Bailey.

Camden started the foundation because there is still no cure for metastatic osteosarcoma. After enjoying three years of being cancer-free, a small, cancerous lung nodule was found at a routine checkup. He passed away in 2025 after a courageous battle.

Fueled by strength, resilience and community, Camden’s fight continues. This gift will directly support the MIMIC (Minimally Invasive Metastasectomy in Canines) trial, which is searching for safer, faster, and more accessible lung surgery procedures. Learn more about the trial: osinst.org/blog/canine-osteosarcoma-lung-surgery-trial

Fifteen years ago, Diana Barrera was a teenager facing a life-changing diagnosis: osteosarcoma. Chemo took her hair. Surgery changed how she moved. And for a long time, cancer felt like her entire identity.

But Diana's story did not end when her treatment ended. It evolved into one of healing, self-discovery, and hope. “I’m grateful, blessed, and appreciative of how far I have been able to come,” she says. “I can put cancer in my past and move forward.”

In her own words, Diana shares what it was like to lose and reclaim pieces of herself after osteosarcoma. Her story will stay with you.

Read it here: osinst.org/blog/dianas-story

Earlier this month, OSI was proud to host a welcome reception in Dallas in honor of our new Executive Director, Alli Murdoff.

Hosted by Katlyn and Bret Alexander, the evening brought together board members, ambassadors, patient families, and donors for cocktails and conversation to warmly welcome Alli and hear updates on OSI’s research and programs.

OSI is honored to have Alli’s expertise, her industry knowledge to help advance osteosarcoma research and her advocacy to help strengthen our partnerships, open new doors of opportunity, and push progress forward toward finding a cure for osteosarcoma.

Learn more about Alli and our team: osinst.org/about/

Thank you to everyone across the Mount Washington Valley in New Hampshire who supported the Camden Bailey Cancer Foundation events benefiting Camden’s Quest 2 Cure Fund at OSI.

OSI was honored to join the Camden Bailey Cancer Foundation to celebrate Camden’s life and legacy, and to share how Camden’s Quest 2 Cure Fund is already helping advance promising osteosarcoma research. The first project supported through the fund is a multi-center clinical trial for pet dogs with osteosarcoma, research that could help improve outcomes for both canine patients and children, adolescents, and young adults facing this disease.

We are deeply grateful to the Bailey family and this incredible community for their commitment to accelerating better treatments and cures for osteosarcoma.

Learn more about the osteosarcoma research supported through Camden’s Quest 2 Cure Fund at OSI:
https://osinst.org/blog/canine-osteosarcoma-lung-surgery-trial

Read more about the Camden Bailey Cancer Foundation events and community impact:
https://www.conwaydailysun.com/news/local/camden-strong-weekend-raises-about-100k-for-quest2cure/article_06c67fd9-adc4-45ad-8f10-6cb50cc6e879.html

Camden Strong: Weekend raises about $100k for Quest2Cure JACKSON — The inspiring spirit of Camden Bailey was celebrated anew by friends and family at the former Thompson House Eatery in Jackson last Saturday afternoon to mark the first