The late Denisha Williams.

DURHAM – Sarcoma accounts for approximately 1% of adult cancers, making it one of the least understood and least recognized forms of cancer. The American Cancer Society coined the aggressive cancer the “Forgotten Cancer.”

If a sarcoma is found while still confined to its original location, roughly 8 of 10 people are alive five years later. When the disease has spread to distant organs (most commonly the lungs), survival drops less than an 18% chance to live five years.

July is National Sarcoma Awareness Month. Durham residents, medical students, healthcare advocates and impacted families will have an opportunity to hear from Dr. Richard Riedel, Duke Cancer Institute oncologist; Patricia McCarther (survivor); and the testimony of Rodney Singletary, whose entire family was near emotional and spiritual destruction after the death of his 16-year-old daughter to the disease.

The symposium, inspired by the loss of Denisha Williams, who passed away on Nov. 12, 2024, at the age of 37, eight months and 28 days after being diagnosed with undifferentiated sarcoma, aims to increase awareness and education to reduce the chances that someone else suffers Williams’ fate.

Williams sought medical attention for two years for a pain in her hip diagnosed as sciatic. She learned she had sarcoma after it had metastasized to her lungs.

For organizer Reginald Williams, the symposium represents both advocacy and remembrance. It is more than an event, it is a commitment to ensuring more families recognize the signs, ask questions, seek answers and advocate for themselves and their loved ones.

North Carolina ranks ninth in the nation for new cases each year.

The Symposium

Thursday, July 23

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Covenant Presbyterian Church

2620 Weaver Street

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