Angela's Story
What Motivates Us
Angela was diagnosed with Mesenchymal Chondrosarcoma in 2007. She had just turned 30 years old and had a six-month-old son, Tyler. After surgeries, chemotherapy, and proton beam radiation Angela was considered NED (No Evidence of Disease) for over six years. In 2015, during the second round of surgeries and treatment after her sarcoma returned, Angela started The A-Team.
The A-Team began as a Facebook page for family, friends, and other Sarcoma Warriors who wanted to follow her progress. She was active on several Facebook groups where those with sarcoma and their loved ones could discuss treatments and offer support to each other. Angela, family, and friends soon joined forces as The A-Team for walks/runs to support sarcoma research. After ten years of being strong, determined and always filled with hope, Angela died on August 25, 2017. Her friends formed The A-Team Fights Back in her honor and hold fundraisers for sarcoma research. They knew how important it was to Angela to draw attention to this rare disease in the hope that one day there would be more treatment options, if not a cure.
Angela was known for her optimism. If you were asked to use a color to describe Angela it would be yellow. She was summer - sunny and joyful. Angela was a great gatherer and sharer of people. Her friends became each other's friends. She never met a stranger. She listened to everyone with such enthusiasm and truly wanted to hear people's stories. She brought people together. That smile and laugh, who wouldn't be drawn to her. Along with Tyler, her friends are Angela's beautiful legacy.
She fought for time to spend with her family and friends. We should all love and embrace life the way Angela did. Angela was kind, witty, beautiful, smart, silly, and sweet, but she was also a tough and determined Sarcoma Warrior. In 2016, after her second round of treatments, Angela had "Still I Rise" tattooed on her wrist. The title of Maya Angelou's poem, a soul-filled serenade to women with inner strength, was perfect for Angela.
In Angela's honor, let's love our family and friends dearly, live fiercely, laugh as much we can, rescue a few dogs during our lifetime, and help fund sarcoma research.
About Our Foundation
Founded in 2016, the Angela Olsen Foundation for Sarcoma Research (the A-Team) has been working hard with the help of our volunteers to help individuals in our area. Our work is dedicated to funding and delivering charitable services, and we strive to inspire and improve the lives of those who need assistance. Get in touch to learn how you can make a difference at our nonprofit charitable foundation.
According to the American Cancer Society, sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops from certain tissues, such as bone or muscle. Bone and soft tissue sarcomas are the leading types of sarcoma. Sarcomas can be found in any part of the body. Most of them develop in the arms or legs. Although relatively uncommon, approximately 12 thousand new soft tissue sarcomas will be diagnosed this year.
How We Help Make A Difference
Since our inception, we’ve worked to expand our cause and help those in need. Our mission is to raise funds that will be given to Duke Cancer Institute, Duke Cancer Center, and the Sarcoma Foundation of America. Every contribution to the Angela Olsen Foundation for Sarcoma goes toward furthering sarcoma research and supporting programs for patients and their families. So whether you're looking to support our foundation or donate your time, making a positive difference in the fight against sarcoma has never been easier.
A-Team News & Events
Please consider volunteering, joining a fundraising event,
or making a donation to the A-Team.
EVENTS:
The A-Team raised $560 participating in the
Duke Cancer Institute
16th Annual Strike Out for Sarcoma Run/Walk
Since we met our fundraising goal, the A-Team donated an additional $500 to the Duke Cancer Institute.
DONATIONS:
2024:
$500 quarterly to the Duke Cancer Center.
2023:
$1000 to the Duke Cancer Center for research and patients in need.
$250 to the Sarcoma Foundation of America.
Employer Match
Did you know that many employers will match charitable donations? Ask your employer if they'll match your donation to the A-Team.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support us!
