July is Sarcoma Awareness Month, and while it may be lesser known than other major cancers, it can develop anywhere in the body at any age. “It really is a cancer that is anywhere, anytime,” said Jo McNeal, executive director of Northwest Sarcoma Foundation. “It’s very misunderstood.” The Northwest Sarcoma Foundation is the oldest sarcoma organization in the U.S., providing hope, education and support to anyone that’s affected by sarcoma. The organization also invests in research to improve outcomes. Elana Emlen lost her husband to sarcoma just 38 days after he was diagnosed. He had back pain and a knot in his leg and went through various treatments and tests before receiving a delayed diagnosis. “It’s just so important to me to tell people sarcoma exists,” Emlen said. “Most people have never heard of it.” Soft tissue sarcoma shows up in fat, muscle, tendons, blood vessels and cartilage, and most commonly occurs in the extremities as a painless lump. Sarcomas of the bone are usually painful. McNeal says patients need to advocate for themselves. It’s important to not wait to get lumps or other symptoms checked out, but not every healthcare provider is going to think of sarcoma. If you have a lump at least the size of a golf ball, it’s important to ask your provider to rule out sarcoma. “I always remind people that doctors are not perfect,” McNeal said. Seattle’s Dragonslayer Walk will be held at Magnuson Park on September 21 to raise critical funds to support the programs and mission of Northwest Sarcoma Foundation. “It’s an opportunity for the sarcoma community to come together and understand they’re not alone,” McNeal said. To learn more about the walk and sarcoma, visit the Northwest Sarcoma Foundation website. Sponsored by Northwest Sarcoma Foundation Segment Producer Joseph Suttner. Watch New Day Northwest 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.