Sarcoma Foundation of America Announces Marisa Petroro as 2008 Spokesperson

The Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA), a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to increasing sarcoma related research, in the hope of finding new and better therapies for sarcoma patients, today announced that actress and model Marisa Petroro has become their 2008 spokesperson.

Sarcoma is a rare cancer in adults, about 1% of all adult cancers, but is rather prevalent in children, almost 15- 20% of all childhood cancers. It’s made up of many "subtypes" because it can arise from a variety of connective tissue such as nerves, muscles, joints, bone, blood vessels and fatty tissue. Since these tissues are found everywhere on the body, sarcomas can occur anywhere.

A cancer survivor of a subtype called Rhabdomyosarcoma (a rare childhood cancer that affects the muscles), Petroro was chosen to be the 2008 spokesperson because she understands the battle that sarcoma patients go through during treatment and her celebrity will provide a national face and voice for the cancer.

“There are over 50,000 people living with sarcoma who are greatly underserved. About 10,000 new cases are diagnosed each year and about 5,000 die each year from sarcoma. More attention and support must be brought to those fighting this battle,” said Petroro.

Petroro will be participating in a variety of events and programs throughout the entire year to fulfill her responsibilities. Currently the organization is planning their annual fundraising gala that will take place on May 5th in New York City at 583 Park Avenue. Acting as master of ceremonies, Petroro will host the evening which features Bob Woodruff of ABC presenting SFA’s Leadership in Courage Award.

“We are delighted to have Marisa be the voice of SFA this year. Together we look to bring more awareness and education to the public and medical world,” said Matt Alsante, executive director of SFA. “With her help, we hope that future generations don’t have to face the same dreadful realities confronted by thousands of patients and families today.”

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This release was published on openPR.