We founded Strides for Sarcoma because our lives have been forever shaped by childhood cancer. As twins, Nicholas and Gabriella Conjelko grew up witnessing the realities of pediatric cancer when our cousin Maddox was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at just three years old. Hospital rooms became a second home. Years later, after he bravely reached remission, our family hoped cancer was behind us—until his little sister Maia was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma at six years old. Watching two children fight for their lives revealed a devastating truth: pediatric sarcomas are rare, underfunded, and in urgent need of better treatments.
We founded Strides for Sarcoma after Maia’s relapse, when it became painfully clear how limited the treatment options are for children with sarcoma. On November 2, 2025, Maia gained her angel wings. While her loss deepened our grief, it strengthened our resolve. In her honor, we are committed to advancing innovative research, supporting childhood cancer warriors and their families, and working toward a future where sarcoma is no longer a life-limiting diagnosis.