Treatment for osteosarcoma often includes aggressive chemotherapy combined with surgery to remove the tumor. Other forms of treatment may include radiation, hormone or biological therapy, or amputation.

The two-year, disease-free survival rate for children with a primary tumor and no metastases (growths) is about 60-70%. Patients with metastases at diagnosis (such as in the lungs) have an extremely poor survival rate, at about 10%. This means that out of the 400 children diagnosed with osteosarcoma in a given year, 140 to 160 will die within two years. If the child’s tumors have metastasized, their chances of survival are even less.

Osteosarcoma has one of the lowest survival rates for childhood cancers, due largely in part to the lack of available funding for research. Labeled an “orphan disease,” the rarity of this cancer makes finding a cure less profitable for drug companies and research institutes than other more widely-known and commonly-diagnosed cancers. Currently, the National Cancer Institute, the U.S. government’s principal agency for cancer research, allocates less than one percent of its budget to children’s bone cancer research. Attention and funding is instead directed to more common cancers that affect adults in later stages of their lives, such as breast, lung, colon, and prostate cancers.

The Jori Zemel Children’s Bone Cancer Foundation, located in Houston, Texas, is fighting back against these tragic statistics. Funding the only post-doctoral research fellow in the world dedicated solely to osteosarcoma research, the Jori Zemel Scholar fellowship award has helped fund critical research breakthroughs. Additionally, the Jori Zemel Children’s Bone Cancer Foundation provides for the financial and emotional needs of children and families affected by this disease through various morale-building events and activities and vouchers for travel and transport expenses during treatment.

To learn more, visit www.jorizemel.org. For assistance in researching treatment options and finding detailed information about osteosarcoma or other children’s bone cancers, finding financial or emotional support, or other general inquiries, please contact the Foundation directly by emailing info@jorizemel.org or calling (281) 549-2897.

One day we will find a cure!

Potbelly

Potbelly!

Potbelly is three piece Alternative Rock band from Houston Texas. Erik(vocals/guitar), Erin(Bass) and Marc(Drums) have been playing together as Potbelly for almost a year, though the band has been around for nearly three years. Taking from influences such as Sublime, Queens of the Stone Age, The Misfits, and countless other bands, Potbelly has arrived at a style that can only be described as unique. Most recently though, Potbelly won the 2010 Houston Press Music Award for best Reggae/Dub band. Coming off of this accomplishment, Potbelly is finishing up their second CD, which will be released sometime in early 2011. These guys love to play music, and their only hope is that you enjoy the music they play.

Potbelly has donated their song Rhodes Trippin and proceeds will be going to Jori Zemel’s Childrens Bone Cancer Foundation.

Read more about Jori Zemel.

Potbelly – Rhodes Trippin – $2.00

Check out our very first band, based out of Dallas, TX…

Exit 380

Exit380 formed in Denton, Texas in 1999 at The University of North Texas. Over the last 10 years of touring and recording, the band has released four full length albums, three EP’s & various compilation discs. Their most recent release, “Cities Townies” (Rockyard Records/E3 Records) came out earlier this year.

The media has been generous to the act, garnering the band with accolades, interviews, music and live reviews. They’ve been featured in publications like Dallas Observer and Quick Magazine and they’ve even performed on The Gordon Keith Television Show and HD Net Television. Exit 380 has been nominated by the Dallas Observer Music Awards; Best Hard Rock Act (2007), and Fort Worth Weekly Music Awards; Best Rock Act (2007, 2008, 2010), Rock Album Of The Year (2009), and winnerSong Of The Year – Alexander Stone’s ‘Ode To Death’ (2009).

They derive their style from a combination of rock, alternative, folk, & experimental. What sets this band apart is their dedication to pushing artistic limits, eclectic writing styles, & energetic live shows. We’re glad to have them as our very first Donate to Download participant!

They are currently recording the video for this song and will be available on their website for viewing at www.exit380.org.

ASCC Now’s exclusie Moonshiner Run download has ended. But, fear not, you can watch Exit 380′s newly released Moonshiner Run video on YouTube!

Our second place winner was Melissa Evans, singing “Return To Earth.”

Click here to listen to Allison, Melissa, and all of our wonderful entrants.

Song choice: Violin

Instruments used: Piano/Keyboard

Have you ever been to a Spencer Bell Memorial concert? What was your favorite part?
I have attended two previous memorial concerts–one last February, and one last August. As for my favorite part of the shows–in addition to hearing some great music–that would have to be simply being in the presence of others committed to keeping the Spencer Bell legacy alive. I get a definite sense of community whenever I attend these shows. I’ve met some amazing people through Spencer’s music!