My name is Cyndi Cohen - I was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma in February 2024, and started treatment almost immediately, including intense chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. As a 45-year-old mother of 4, this diagnosis upended our whole life, physically, mentally and emotionally. Not only are you frightened of what is happening inside your own body and the treatment necessary to fight it, but you are paralyzed by the unthinkable as the fate of your hopes, dreams, future, and life as you know it seem to hang in the balance. The toll this takes on the patient as well as their loved ones is immeasurable. I was and am lucky to have an incredible team of doctors, nurses, and practitioners from Penn Medicine in my corner, helping me navigate this terrifying new world I found and still find myself in now. My team is always helping me to navigate the next steps, and giving me hope to stay strong and keep fighting as I continue to deal with the challenges of this disease. However, sarcoma is rare - there is still so much research to be done and dire funding that is needed. That's why I will be lacing up my walking shoes on May 18th to take some serious steps to cure sarcoma! Please join my team, and help me in this fight!
