September is Desmoid Tumor Awareness Month (DTAM). A month to raise awareness, share your desmoid tumor story, and remind every patient and caregiver that they are part of a community that stands with them.
This year, that spirit of desmoid community has a new symbol. The Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation (DTRF) is proud to introduce our new DTAM logo, designed by Rachael Craddick, a mom and caregvier to daughter, Nora, who was diagnosed with a desmoid tumor in 2024.
Rachael’s design is inspired by her family’s experience and the strength she has found within the desmoid tumor community. Her logo design was the runner-up in DTRF’s first-ever DTAM logo contest last year. Scroll down to learn more about this special design.
The Story Behind the Logo
Nora was diagnosed with a desmoid tumor in August 2024, shortly after her 4th birthday. After Rachael noticed a small bump on the side of her daughter’s head, further evaluation and imaging revealed a large mass beneath the surface.
Located deep in the left side of Nora’s skull, her desmoid tumor involves the muscles used for chewing and significantly limits how far she can open her mouth. Today, after 18 months of medication therapy, her desmoid tumor has stopped growing, but she continues to have routine scans and active surveillance by her medical team. While this is welcomed news for Nora’s family, the effects of this rare disease still remain.
“I want people to know that ‘stable’ doesn’t always mean life goes back to normal. We’re incredibly grateful that Nora’s tumor has stopped growing, but she still can’t fully open her mouth because of where it’s located.” – Rachael
Rachael’s experience also underscores why greater awareness matters. Before Nora’s diagnosis, her family had never heard of desmoid tumors, an experience familiar to many in our rare disease community. Desmoid tumors do not spread to other parts of the body, but they can be locally aggressive, cause pain, loss of function, and lead to many difficult treatment decisions.
For Rachael and her family, finding a community that understood made a meaningful difference.
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that rare diseases can feel incredibly isolating until you find your community. The support we’ve found through DTRF has reminded us that we’re not alone. I wanted to be part of the DTAM logo contest because it’s a cause that is very personal to my family and a chance to give back to a community that means so much.” – Rachael
Stronger Together
That sense of community inspired Rachael’s design for this year’s DTAM logo.
The logo’s abstract unity shape represents the connection among patients, caregivers, and supporters. Its gentle, flowing lines symbolize hope and strength, while the teal colors connect the design to the DTRF and desmoid tumor awareness. The logo also reflects the complexity of this diagnosis and the profound impact desmoid tumors can have on patients and families.
“To me, the logo is a reminder that none of us are alone—we’re stronger together. Awareness leads to research, research leads to better treatments, and better treatments give families like ours hope for the future.” – Rachael
That message is at the heart of Desmoid Tumor Awareness Month (DTAM). The DTRF is honored to feature Rachael’s meaningful design in a variety ways in our DTAM campaign this year. Thank you, Rachael and Nora, for sharing your story and helping bring greater awareness and connection to the desmoid tumor community this September.
Make Your Mark This DTAM
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.
- Visit our DTAM webpage for more resources, past event recordings, and much more!
- Register today! You don’t want to miss our DTAM Kickoff Event on Tuesday, Sept. 1st at 7-8PM ET.
- Start your fundraiser and join a community of Accelerators that are funding life-changing desmoid tumor research.
- Give what you can, when you can by making a donation to support our mission.
