Our Story

The Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA) was founded by Dr. Mark Thornton, Patricia (Tricia) Thornton, and Dr. John (Jack) Brooks in 2000. The seeds that led to the birth of SFA were planted after the sarcoma diagnosis of then 3-year-old Jeffrey Thornton.
Grappling with Jeffrey’s diagnosis, they found there wasn’t a national patient advocacy and research organization dedicated to sarcoma patients and their families, so they sought to fill that void. Mark, Tricia, and Jack were motivated to help not only Jeffrey but also every other person diagnosed with and living with sarcoma.

Started in the basement of the Thorntons’ home, SFA quickly became an organization with impact. The founders knew that more research funding and regulatory changes were necessary to improve outcomes for people diagnosed with sarcoma. Their vision of what was needed to change the landscape for sarcoma still drives the organization today.

Early on, founding members Gary and Addie Tomei began the tradition of the Annual New York/Stand up to Sarcoma Gala, where SFA honors and celebrates the international sarcoma community. With this support, SFA launched its grant program. Since these humble beginnings, SFA has grown exponentially, becoming the largest private funder of research in the sarcoma community, having invested more than $26 million in sarcoma research.

Today, SFA is the most comprehensive and visible patient advocacy organization, with tens of thousands of allies in all 50 states and internationally, representing all subtypes of sarcoma. We amplify the voice of the sarcoma community and advocate on behalf of all people affected by sarcoma. SFA has brought together thousands of team members, advocates, and allies from around the world to advocate for the sarcoma community and build a world where no one dies from sarcoma.

Please join us by becoming an SFA Ally—people who share SFA’s goals and mission and want to be a part of the SFA community. Membership is free.