Strides Was Founded
A family’s experience with childhood cancer became a mission for change.
Together, We Fund a Cure
Hope in action.
Progress with purpose.
Strides for Sarcoma advances innovative pediatric sarcoma research while surrounding children and families with meaningful support, encouragement, and hope.
$150,000+ raised since 2023
Research • Family Support • Awareness
$125K+
Total Raised
$52.5K+
Invested in Research
150+
Care Packages Delivered
30+
States Reached
Why We Exist
Every child deserves more birthdays.
Maia was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma at six years old. Her courageous battle revealed both the incredible resilience of children facing cancer and the urgent need for better treatments and more research. Although she gained her angel wings at just nine years old, her legacy continues to inspire every care package we deliver and every research grant we fund.
She should have celebrated ten, eleven, twenty-one, and countless more. Strides for Sarcoma exists because nine birthdays were not enough.
“Nine birthdays were not enough.”
$40,000
2026 Research Award
Research With Purpose
The Maia James Sarcoma Innovation Grant
Created in honor of Maia James, the Maia James Sarcoma Innovation Grant funds bold, innovative research with the potential to transform outcomes for children and young adults with sarcoma. In 2026, Strides for Sarcoma proudly awarded its inaugural grant to Dr. Pengda Liu and his team at the University of North Carolina to advance the development of novel antibody-drug conjugates for relapsed Ewing sarcoma, bringing new hope to children facing one of the most challenging forms of pediatric cancer.
The next grant cycle is planned for January 2027 as we continue investing in ideas that can move better treatments closer to patients.
Family Support
Care that reaches beyond treatment.
Our programs create moments of comfort, joy, celebration, and connection throughout an incredibly difficult journey.
Growing Impact
A mission built one step at a time.
What began as a promise has grown into research funding, national family support, and a community committed to changing the future of pediatric sarcoma.
First Research Investments
Strides invested $7,500 in Dr. Karen Pollok’s laboratory and supported additional sarcoma research projects.
We Lost Our Warrior
Maia passed away on November 2, 2025, at only nine years old. Her legacy became the heart of our mission.
Maia James Sarcoma Innovation Grant
We launched the inaugural $40,000 grant and awarded it to Dr. Pengda Liu at the University of North Carolina.
Medical School Began
Gabriella and Nicholas began medical school while continuing to lead Strides for Sarcoma.
Second Annual Maia James Grant
We will launch the second annual Maia James Sarcoma Innovation Grant to advance pediatric sarcoma research.
$82K
Raised at the 2026 Louder Than Cancer Benefit Concert
Community in Motion
One unforgettable night. A lasting impact.
Every ticket, sponsorship, donation, volunteer hour, and silent-auction bid moved us closer to better treatments and greater support for families.
Take Action
Your next step can change a life.
There is a place for everyone in this mission—whether you give, fundraise, volunteer, partner, or simply share our story.
Your Support Changes Lives
Fuel hope. Fund change.
Help us advance pediatric sarcoma research and remind every warrior and family that an entire community stands beside them.