Bone sarcomas – including Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma – account for around 10% of all childhood cancers. These rare and aggressive tumours often strike during the most formative years, with most cases occurring between the ages of 10 and 25.

With modern treatment, survival rates are typically around 80%. But the treatment regime is long and difficult – taking up to a year, and including surgery and intensive chemotherapy and radiation.

Without the right treatment at the right time, sarcoma can be deadly. But thanks to supporters like you and bright minds like Dr Andrew Graydon, young people in Aotearoa facing this diagnosis now have a better chance of survival.

Dr Graydon, a New Zealand-trained orthopaedic surgeon, is passionate about improving outcomes for rangatahi with bone sarcomas. With the support of a Cancer Research Trust New Zealand Fellowship, Andrew travelled to Canada to deepen his expertise in this rare cancer from 2011 – 2012.  

Spending a year at Vancouver General and BC Children’s Hospital – home to one of the world’s top musculoskeletal oncology units – he gained hands-on experience in high-volume, complex sarcoma cases. He learned from renowned surgeons, honed his skills in advanced surgical techniques, and developed a deep understanding of bone cancer pathology. 

Now back at Starship Children’s Hospital, Andrew is putting this knowledge into practice – offering young Kiwis world-class care, right here in New Zealand. He’s also sharing what he’s learned with other clinicians around the motu, lifting the standard of sarcoma care nationwide.

“If your child is unlucky enough to be diagnosed with a rare illness like sarcoma, New Zealand can seem a long way away from the rest of the world”, says Andrew. 

“So, it can be really comforting to know they will get the very best care in Aotearoa, just like they would in any of the big children’s hospitals anywhere in the world”.

This is the ripple effect of your generosity.

Because you chose to support Cancer Research Trust New Zealand, a talented clinician like Dr Graydon advanced his knowledge, giving young Kiwis with sarcoma the chance to receive the specialist treatment they deserve – and the hope of a healthier future.

“Your generosity meant that I was able to work and learn from the very best, and bring back knowledge and contacts to help our own kids right here in New Zealand. Thank you for your caring and support!”.