How did the Betsy Project begin?
Betsy’s doctor, Dr. Joseph Ludwig (a leading medical oncologist at MD Anderson
Cancer Center) expressed to Betsy and her husband Mark that what was really
hindering treatment of Leiomyosarcoma was the lack of research associated with
sarcoma cancers, especially Leiomyosarcoma. He said that if he had $200,000 he could hire two researchers to focus their efforts solely on this specific disease. This would greatly expedite the creation of treatment therapies for Leiomyosarcoma and would most probably lead to breakthroughs in treatments for other types of sarcoma as well.

Betsy’s friends and family rallied behind this idea and began the Betsy project as a
grassroots fundraising effort to raise the money needed to begin research at MD
Anderson.

What is Leiomyosarcoma (LMS)?

LMS is a particular type of sarcoma. Sarcomas are tumors originating from connective tissues such as bone, muscle, blood vessels, fat and cartilage. Sarcomas occur in less than one percent of all patients diagnosed with cancer in the United States. Within this group, leiomyosarcomas develop from involuntary smooth muscle (often uterus) and frequently spread to other sites such as the lung, liver, and bone – too often prematurely taking the lives of men and women in their prime.

How can I make a donation?

All corporate or personal check donations should be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center (write “The Betsy Project” in the memo), these donations are tax deductible and you will receive a tax receipt from MD Anderson Hospital.

As an alternative, for your convenience, you can also make a donation online at
www.thebetsyproject.com by clicking “Donate Now”.

Who is involved?

MD Anderson Cancer Center, specifically the medical oncology department and Dr. Joseph Ludwig, is leading the research and treatment aspects of The Betsy Project.

A collection of Betsy’s closest friends and family are leading the grassroots fundraising campaign that will raise the money to fund the research that will be conducted by Dr. Joseph Ludwig at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

What is the goal?

Our goal is to raise as much money as we can to fund as many years of Leiomyosarcoma research at MD Anderson Cancer Center. 

What will the money be used for?

The money raised by the Betsy Project will be donated to MD Anderson and used to support research dedicated solely to furthering treatment therapies for
Leiomyosarcoma.

Why is the money going straight to MD Anderson?

MD Anderson Cancer Center is one of the leading hospitals in the nation for sarcoma research and treatment. The hospital is equipped with the medical research facilities and equipment necessary to immediately begin this specialized research of Leiomyosarcoma. The Betsy Project is providing the funds to pay for research staff and supplies associated with this research.

How long will it take for the research to begin?

Once the funds have been raised, research can begin almost immediately after
researchers are hired.

How will donors be updated?

Donors can visit www.thebetsyproject.com for regular updates of the progress of research and funding.

Will I be contacted directly by MD Anderson?

If you write a check to MD Anderson, they will send you a tax deductible receipt for your donation.

What if you don’t raise the money? Where does my donation to MD Anderson go?

The money we raise will be put into a research fund at MD Anderson Cancer Center specifically assigned to Dr. Joseph Ludwig. This account will be put on hold until we have raised enough money to begin research. And don’t worry, we will not rest until we have raised every last penny!