Liposarcoma Advocates Go the Distance at the Cleveland Marathon
by Tara Ruggiero, Program Coordinator of the Liposarcoma Support Network
This year’s Cleveland Marathon was more than just a race; it was a meaningful step forward in the fight against liposarcoma.
On behalf of the Liposarcoma Support Network, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported our community’s participation in the marathon.
Two incredible individuals; Stephen Wang and Francesca (Frankie) Mendenhall. They took on the challenge of the Cleveland marathon not just as a personal milestone, but as a powerful act of advocacy for liposarcoma awareness.
On Sunday, May 18th, Frankie ran a 5k and Stephen ran a half marathon with his girlfriend and biggest supporter, Sofia. All three runners were raising awareness and funds for the Liposarcoma Support Network through their social media pages. The Lipo Support Crew raised over $4000 for The Life Raft Group, a 501c3 that created the Liposarcoma Support Network program in 2024.
Stephen’s Story: A Race of Resilience
Just one year ago, Stephen was re-learning how to walk after ACL surgery. Six months ago, he began training for this race with determination and heart. Completing the half marathon wasn’t just about logging miles—it was about reclaiming strength and pushing forward with purpose.
Stephen ran in honor of his sister, Christina, who was diagnosed with liposarcoma and is the Director of the Liposarcoma Support Network. With your support, every step he took was backed by a community determined to make a difference.
“Current policies are jeopardizing federal funding for biomedical research at large. Now more than ever, private sources of funding are crucial to support the development of better medicines with less toxic side effects to patients. No therapy or discovery is made overnight. It takes continued, long-term investment from physicians and scientists doing the work together with the community, patients, and their caregivers to successfully translate lab work into life changing medicines and treatment protocols. My sister Christina helped start the Liposarcoma Support Network (LSN), an organization dedicated to providing educational resources and a sense of community to patients living with liposarcoma.” – Stephen Wang
You can continue to support LSN & Stephen here.
Frankie’s Mission: Running with Heart
Frankie also ran to raise awareness and critical funding for liposarcoma. Her commitment and passion for the cause brought people together and inspired generous contributions. Her efforts remind us all of the power of individual action and the strength that comes from standing together.
“I’ve been an avid runner my whole life, but this race means more than any I’ve run before. Five months ago, I was diagnosed with liposarcoma. Thanks to the incredible care of my medical team, I am now cancer free. But not everyone is as fortunate. I’m running to raise awareness, fund crucial research, and support others facing this disease. Every step I take is for better treatments, earlier diagnoses, and a future without liposarcoma.” – Frankie Mendenhall
Keep supporting Frankie & LSN here.
Community in Action
Whether you donated, cheered them on, or simply believed in their mission—you were part of something meaningful. Your support not only fueled their finish line moments but also helped shine a spotlight on a rare disease that urgently needs more research and resources.
Stephen and Frankie’s stories are powerful reminders of how advocacy, courage, and community can come together to create real change.
The Liposarcoma Support Network extends its deepest gratitude to all the runners, donors, and supporters who made this fundraiser and awareness campaign such a success. Special thanks go to the Cleveland Marathon organizers for helping spotlight rare cancer advocacy on a major public platform.
Funds raised will help expand the nonprofit’s patient registry project, support peer mentorship programs, and fuel efforts to push for increased federal research funding.
If you are interested in helping LSN to fundraise via an activity that you enjoy, please contact Tara at truggiero@liposarcomasupport.org
