On December 28, 2016, our beautiful, loving, funny, and sweet daughter Anya passed from Ewing sarcoma. We have been blessed with wonderful, personal memories from friends and others who she touched in her 11 years. We continue to appreciate anything about Anya, a story, a picture taken years ago, a funny memory, or just a fleeting moment, is enough to fill our hearts with joy. We ask all to never stop remembering or sharing as it doesn’t make us sad, it brings us great comfort and love knowing others continue to care. Anya Elyse La Mar Foundation is our way to honor Anya, share her story, and bring awareness to Ewing sarcoma – all sarcomas. Sarcomas are an underfunded and forgotten cancer and in our small way, we hope to change the research story and make a difference – for Anya.
At age 9, in September, 2014, Anya was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare form of bone and soft tissue cancer. After 11 months in remission the cancer returned and again Anya had to endure multiple rounds of chemotherapy. A new path had to be taken as the cancer was outsmarting the chemotherapy and an immunotherapy treatment was given on December 15, 2016. It was unknown at the time that Anya had a respiratory virus that ultimately added complications to her breathing.
Anya was admitted to the hospital on December 16, 2016, with a high fever. The virus coupled with the lung tumors made it impossible for her to recover. After a 12-day hospital stay at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, she lost her battle.
Our family was devastated. Losing our beautiful daughter is still surreal. By our tragic loss, wanting the memory of Anya to always be special and at the forefront, and because of what we’ve learned about this cancer, we want to help others. Sarcomas, and to us, Ewing sarcoma, needs more research. We also understand the impact of a child with cancer and the families affected. We created our Foundation in honor of our beloved daughter Anya.
Donations given to Anya Elyse La Mar Foundation will be distributed as gifts to children with Ewing sarcoma in the form of “Distraction Days” or to our Adopt-A-Research Doctor program. The doctors in our Adopt-A-Research Doctor program are special to us and are truly remarkable, not only providing medical support, but devoting their time and effort to research sarcoma and elevate the need for more funding and visibility.
Purchase an Anya Elyse La Mar shirt to show your support of Anya’s Army!
All proceeds support our foundation and will be applied to the “Distraction Days” for children coping with Ewing sarcoma. Anya loved going to a Pirate game, the Aviary, any zoo or aquarium during our travels, crafts, movies and more.
All gifts will be given with love remembering the joy those “Distraction Days” meant to Anya.
