September is here, and so is Desmoid Tumor Awareness Month (DTAM)—a time to share stories, raise awareness, and come together as a community.
We’re excited to announce the winner of our first-ever DTAM Logo Contest, Cassandra Hernandez! Her artisitic design was chosen because it beautifully captures both the reality of desmoid tumors and the resilience of those who live with them. Scroll down to learn about her story and the meaning behind her logo.
Thank you to everyone who submitted designs—you’ve reminded us how special and talented our community truly is!
The Story Behind the Logo
Diagnosed with a desmoid tumor in her right abdominal wall just over two years ago, Cassandra recalls the fear and uncertainty after her diagnosis:
In 2023, I was diagnosed with a desmoid tumor in my right abdominal wall. Weeks after an emergency gallbladder surgery, I realized I wasn’t healing the way I should and felt a knot near my ribs. In the beginning, there was so much uncertainty and confusion about what was going on and what I even had. Doctors initially thought it was a large hematoma, but it grew substantially in a short period and severe pain set in, so I kept advocating for more answers. Eventually, I found a wonderful team of doctors at City of Hope in Zion, IL, who ultimately diagnosed me with a desmoid tumor.
Cassandra’s logo design was inspired by the butterfly bush—a plant that is beautiful above ground and locally aggressive underneath the surface.
The butterfly bush reminded me of desmoid tumors. It grows deep and invades nearby spaces, but its beauty above ground symbolizes hope and resilience of the desmoid community.
This contest means a lot to me because it’s about taking back my power and finding pride in the challenges I’ve faced. My wish is that every patient and caregiver finds a part of themselves that continues to bloom and show their beauty, even in the hardest times.”
We are honored to feature her meaningful design in a variety ways in our DTAM campaign this year!
How YOU Can Get Involved This September:
DTAM is all about taking action! Here are five ways you can take part and help raise awareness this month:
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn & X to share our DTAM social media content and format a Twibbonize frame to your profile picture.
- Save-the-date for our Facebook Live Event with desmoid tumor patient, Tiffany Braswell on Thursday, September 25th at 6PM ET.
- Keep DTAM going by registering the educational webinar, “Pregnancy and Desmoid Tumors” on Friday, October 10th at 12PM ET. Submit your questions to our panelists ahead of time.
- Start a virtual fundraiser and share it with your community by launching your own RFA Virtual fundraising page.
- Give what you can, when you can by making a donation to support our mission. We can’t do our work with YOU.
