When Kristen Ann Carr was diagnosed with sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, in 1992, not much was known about the disease which attacks bone and soft tissue.
Carr, a vibrant young woman, passed away at 21. However, her family and friends have made a difference in her name by establishing the Kristen Ann Carr Fund, which provides grants for cancer research and seeks to improve all aspects of cancer patient life with an emphasis on adolescents and young adults.
Carr's boyfriend, Michael Solomon isn't only keeping his loved one's name alive but helping others survive courtesy of the foundation. Solomon, who is a Board Member and the Fund Administrator of the Carr Fund, and his colleagues have raised more than $30 million in the battle against sarcoma.
"When we started out in this field, there were very few sarcoma experts anywhere and very little information known," Solomon said. "But there are certain things that used to happen that don't happen anymore. There were a lot of amputations, and some of the research that we did helped them understand that that was not an effective way at stopping the disease progression, so that that doesn't happen as often."
The Carr Fund's next event is the 32nd annual, "A Night to Remember" gala slated for November 15 at Lafayette in New York City, which will feature a special guest musical performance, a silent auction and raffle and unique items and experiences.
Expect culinary treats since guests at prior events have wined and dined on pairings from some of Manhattan's most prestigious restaurants, including Nobu and Tribeca Grill.
The Fund was Solomon’s inspiration for Musicians On Call, a nonprofit he co-founded in 1999 that brings live music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities.
A number of icons have performed at Carr events, such as Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne and Eddie Vedder. "I would say they're even, at times, activists, more than just altruists," Solomon said.
Expect the Carr Fund to continue on for many years, according to Solomon. "The person who was doing major gifts at Memorial Sloan Kettering said usually these organizations start after somebody dies... and then they peter out," Solomon said. "Here we are 31 years later... and we're still going.
There is still plenty of work to be done in Carr's name. Solomon, who dated Carr for four years, recalls how vibrant his girlfriend was before the sarcoma robbed her of vitality.
"She was funny and sparkly and snarky and had a lot of energy," Solomon said. "When she walked in a room, people knew it. She was very outspoken and irreverent and fun."
The Carr fund is there and hopefully will make a difference for those with sarcoma so they can once again live in a carefree manner.
For more information about the Night to Remember gala, which is slated for November 15 at Lafayette, 380 Lafayette Street, visit https://empireeventsgroup.com/portfolio/upcoming-a-night-to-remember-2025
According to the International Interdisciplinary Journal of the American Cancer Society, over the past decade, remarkable improvements have been seen in oncology. However, more research is needed regarding sarcoma, particularly soft tissue sarcoma. Hopefully the disease won't be so mysterious.