Caralynn Hampson ’24: From Cancer Survivor to Advocate

As project coordinator for the Sarcoma Alliance for Research through Collaboration (SARC), Caralynn Hampson ’24 draws on the strength and perspective gained from their battle with Ewing’s sarcoma to advocate for and support others facing similar challenges.

Hampson’s experience as a sarcoma patient—they were diagnosed in 2021 and took a year off from college to undergo treatment—instills empathy and understanding in their work. This enables them to relate to the struggles patients face and fuels their drive to make a meaningful impact in the fight against the disease.

Supporting Sarcoma Patients

SARC, a non-profit organization, leads efforts to advance research, improve treatments, and ultimately find a cure for sarcomas—rare cancers that affect bone and connective tissues. At the organization, Hampson coordinates patient-focused programs, including developing a comprehensive resource to help sarcoma patients locate specialized care.

"I help manage a developing registry of institutions that qualify as sarcoma centers, based on their involvement in research and the presence of multidisciplinary teams experienced in treating sarcomas," Hampson explained. "Sarcoma care is complex and requires collaboration among medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and pathologists, along with support from nurse navigators and social workers."

This resource simplifies the search for patients by highlighting hospitals with the necessary expertise, particularly valuable for those newly diagnosed or seeking second opinions. "The registry makes it easier for patients to find the care they need, especially since not all oncologists are equipped to treat sarcomas. It's crucial to make sure they have access to the right expertise.”

Hampson also leads SARC’s patient-advocacy program, which ensures that clinical trials consider the unique needs of sarcoma patients and supports them through the process. Through these efforts, SARC drives forward research and helps patients navigate the complexities of their care and treatment.

Their introduction to SARC came during their own cancer treatment, when Hampson’s interest in science caught their oncologist's attention. “My love for science showed through when I asked to see pathology slides during my treatment,” they recalled. This curiosity led to an internship at SARC during their time at Emmanuel, and after graduation, they secured a full-time role as project coordinator.

Research Foundation at Emmanuel

Hampson, a double major in Biostatistics and Religious Studies, credits Emmanuel’s supportive environment and the opportunity to conduct research for setting the foundation for their career in the medical field. A recipient of the prestigious Clare Boothe Luce Program for Women in STEM grant, Hampson worked closely with Dr. Vincent Cannataro, Assistant Professor of Biology, studying the evolutionary dynamics of Angiosarcoma—a rare type of cancer.

Hampson decided to focus their research on studying rare cancers because, they said, in data science, such cancers often go understudied due to limited data. For instance, only about 300 people are diagnosed with Angiosarcoma each year, meaning that even with comprehensive data collection, there isn't enough data for many algorithms. They worked with Dr. Cannataro to modify an existing bioinformatics tool from his postdoc lab, cancereffectsizeR, adapting it to work with the limited data available for rare cancers.

Dr. Cannataro was continually impressed by their knowledge and leadership. "Caralynn brought an extraordinary level of expertise into the lab. When we started collaborating they already knew which cancer types had the data available for our analyses, where to find and access the data, who to contact regarding specific questions, and a multitude of details about cancer and oncology in general," he said. "They continued to gain additional expertise as our project progressed, while helping to foster a welcoming and joyful lab environment for our collaborators and colleagues."

Hampson reflected on the complexity and challenges of their research.“This was fascinating, though it produced some unusual results,” Hampson said. “Sarcomas, for example, start in a different cell type than carcinomas and tend to have a lower tumor mutational burden, which is the number of mutations found in cancer cells. We had to adjust for these different genomic profiles while interpreting the results. The project challenged me to think critically and creatively, which has been invaluable in my work now.”

Holistic Perspective

In addition to their scientific training, Hampson emphasized the importance of their Religious Studies major in shaping their worldview and approach to patient advocacy. “My theology courses taught me to think critically about systemic issues, which directly informs the programs I work on now. When I’m developing resources for patients, I consider the barriers they might face—whether they’re economic, social, or geographic. Emmanuel helped me approach my work holistically, and that’s something I carry with me every day.”

Hampson’s current work with SARC aligns with their commitment to making a tangible impact on the lives of sarcoma patients. The organization runs multi-institutional clinical trials, partnering with major cancer centers like Dana-Farber and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

“SARC is one of the few organizations that focuses on all subtypes of sarcoma. Our mission is to advance research while also connecting patients with the resources they need. It’s both a blessing and a challenge—because these cancers are so rare, it’s hard to find enough participants for clinical trials. But it also means that every trial we run has the potential to make a huge difference,” they explained.

Looking ahead, Hampson is excited to continue their work with SARC, gaining more experience in the world of cancer research and advocacy. “I’m really lucky to be in a role that lets me do a little bit of everything I love. I’m using the coding skills I developed at Emmanuel, and my work has a direct impact on patients and their families, which is so fulfilling.”

Hampson’s story is one of resilience, grit, and dedication to helping others.

“I’m super grateful for my time at Emmanuel. It really prepared me for my current job, and I’m thankful for all the amazing professors I had. Emmanuel didn’t just teach me to be a scientist—it prepared me to be an ethical and effective one.”