Paula Takacs was a new mom when she was diagnosed with liposarcoma, a malignant soft-tissue cancer. The bliss of caring for her newborn was cut short as she endured eight surgeries and extensive treatments. During her courageous battle, Paula became determined to create a foundation that would raise much needed funds to advance sarcoma research. Though, tragically, Paula succumbed to cancer in 2014, her inspiring legacy has lived on — benefiting countless patients and families impacted by sarcoma.
Since then, the Paula Takacs Foundation for Sarcoma Research has donated more than $2 million to Atrium Health Foundation in support of sarcoma research at Atrium Health Levine Cancer and Atrium Health Levine Children’s in Charlotte. In addition to funding cancer studies, the organization recently announced the establishment of The Paula Takacs Foundation Endowed Chair of Sarcoma Research at Levine Cancer Institute with a transformational gift announced earlier this year.
Funded largely through the organization’s annual Sarcoma Stomp, the Paula Takacs Foundation is also strengthening patient support and awareness through a new program: Growing Hope Through Art. The inspiring initiative was launched at Levine Cancer Institute with the installation of Seasons of Life, an original work of art created by Jake Pfeifer of Hot Glass Alley and commissioned by the Paula Takacs Foundation. The glass art now adorns the main corridors connecting Levine Cancer Institute’s facilities on the midtown campus of Atrium Health.
Parker Cain (left), a sarcoma survivor and patient of Levine Cancer Institute, and the Paula Takacs Foundation board of directors (right) were among those in attendance for the unveiling of “Seasons of Life” on June 25.
Seasons of Life features a tree composed of hundreds of exquisite hand-blown and fused glass pieces that pay homage to the many patients impacted by sarcoma and other forms of cancer, as well as the caregivers and teammates committed to battling the disease. A vibrant seasonal palette of glass blossoms narrates the artist’s personal journey through diagnosis, treatment, and survival of a malignant rhabdomyosarcoma in his childhood.
Artist Jake Pfeifer (center) with Sue Udelson, former executive director of the Paula Takacs Foundation, and Dr. Ruben Mesa, president of Atrium Health Levine Cancer. Pfeifer is the owner of Hot Glass Alley in Charlotte and is an accomplished artist whose work has been shown in museums and galleries throughout the country.
“I believe we have a responsibility to increase awareness of cancer, specifically sarcoma,” shared Pfeifer. “Education is so important, prevention, detection, timely access to health care for evaluation and treatment. All of this is critical for positive outcomes. I want individuals with cancer to know there is hope. It feels good to give back to everyone who might benefit from the fundraising dollars because of this project.”
Donors are invited to support the Paula Takacs Foundation and Atrium Health’s sarcoma research programs by dedicating a glass “Tribute Flower” as part of the installation. To dedicate a gift or learn more, visit GrowingHopeThroughArt.org.