Latest News, Synovial Sarcoma Registry

Celebrating Milestones with Hope: The 100th Sign-Up for the Synovial Sarcoma Registry and Biospecimen Repository

December 23, 2025 Comments Off on Celebrating Milestones with Hope: The 100th Sign-Up for the Synovial Sarcoma Registry and Biospecimen Repository
A smiling woman with short dark hair and a black shirt takes a selfie. Text reads "Carrie Carpunky." The Synovial Sarcoma Foundation’s name and logo appear in the bottom left corner.

We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone for the Synovial Sarcoma Registry and Biospecimen Repository, as we proudly welcome our 100th registrant. This achievement signifies the growing commitment to advancing research and improving treatment options for patients with synovial sarcoma.

The registry serves as a pivotal resource, collecting invaluable data and biospecimens from patients diagnosed with synovial sarcoma. By participating, patients contribute to a collective effort to understand this rare form of cancer better and develop innovative treatment plans that can lead to improved outcomes. Every registration helps researchers in their mission to tailor therapies more effectively, offering hope to individuals and families affected by this challenging condition.

Meet Carrie Carpunky: Our 100th Registrant

Among the many courageous individuals contributing to this critical endeavor is Carrie Carpunky, our milestone registrant. Carrie’s journey with cancer began in 2010, when she experienced persistent stomach pains attributed initially to stress and a possible ulcer. It wasn’t until she consulted a gastrointestinal specialist that the word “tumor” entered her reality, launching her into a whirlwind of tests, emotions, and eventually, a cancer diagnosis.

A collage of five photos featuring a woman with brown hair, sometimes with a man or a younger woman, in various settings including outdoors, smiling selfies, and with a yellow “10 Years Free” shirt and red mask.

Carrie’s story is one of resilience. After a partial gastrectomy procedure, she found herself grappling with the ramifications of her diagnosis. Yet through the ups and downs of her journey—including a tumor that remained localized against the odds and the anguish of watching her symptoms evolve—she found an incredible ally in her oncologist, Dr. Brian VanTine, who provided care and compassion throughout her experience.

Following years of diligent monitoring and treatment, Carrie has reached a point where she goes for annual check-ups, underscoring the value of early intervention and unwavering support. The recent loss of Dr. VanTine deeply affected her. “He was more than my oncologist; he was a friend,” Carrie reflects, highlighting the bond that forms between patients and their healthcare providers.

Get Involved

We invite anyone diagnosed with synovial sarcoma to join the Synovial Sarcoma Registry and contribute to this crucial research effort. By participating, you are not only helping us build a comprehensive resource for researchers but also becoming part of a community that believes in the potential for better treatments and outcomes.

To learn more about registering and participating in this vital initiative, please visit our official page: Synovial Sarcoma Registry.

As we celebrate this milestone with Carrie and all our registrants, we renew our commitment to gathering insights that could drive breakthroughs in understanding synovial sarcoma. Together, we can make significant strides towards better therapies and, ultimately, a brighter future for those affected by this disease.

Read Carrie’s journey here, and explore more stories from other patients by visiting our Patient Stories section. Each story offers a powerful reminder of the resilience within this community and the impact of collective participation in advancing research.

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