SIG KOHL LEGACY AWARD

Making a Difference

The Sig Kohl Legacy award is granted each year to a recipient who is dedicated to making an enduring difference in the fight against Sarcoma.

Whether it be through research, patient support, or dedication to the Sarcoma community; the recipients of this award carry on the legacy of Sig Kohl and are making a true difference in the lives of people battling Sarcoma.

SIG'S STORY

Siegfried (“Sig”) Kohl was a long standing supporter of the Foundation who lost his battle with Sarcoma in 2016. He had a strong desire to help others and was deeply passionate about helping find a cure for Sarcoma cancers. He felt fortunate to have an amazing support system, and realized not everyone battling Sarcoma had the same. He raised awareness, funding and was an advocate for the Foundation through every possible avenue.

b595e2_9e841d9032974b20be240d779b15782d_

He emboldened us to pursue our cause: find a cure for Sarcoma, and support those fighting it. He extended a level of generosity that is exceedingly rare and left the Foundation a gift of $30,000 so we may continue our work. In honor of Sig Kohl, we created the Sig Kohl Legacy Award. The award will be given annually to individuals who made a lasting, enduring difference in our fight against Sarcoma.

RECIPIENTS

2025

Dr. Lara Davis

Lara Davis, MD served on the board of directors from February 2014 through July 2023. During her time on the board, she was the voice for the patients, always advocating for more programs to serve our Sarcoma community. Each year, Lara joins the Dragonslayer Walk with not only her work team - Knights on 10, but her family is always there with another team, Lara's Lopers. This team is comprised of her husband, son, sisters, parents, and even the family dogs are there spreading cheer.

Beyond the board and events, Lara is willing to help educate our Sarcoma community by presenting a Researchers Update Night or Patient Education Night. She provides feedback to us for concepts for new programs and outreach, she spreads awareness about our events, introduces us to new patients, corporate partners, and more.

2024

Julia Read Labelle

Julia Read Labelle is a past board member, volunteer, and consistent donor. Julia is a sibling of a Sarcoma survivor - Patty Read Williams, together they have the Sole Sisters team during the Dragonslayer walks. We are thankful she continues to support the NWSF.

2023

Robert Ortblad

Robert "Bob" Ortblad is a past board member, volunteer, and consistent donor. During the pandemic when we were all shut in our homes, Bob stepped up to host a Virtual Dinner & Show about How Seattle was built. He allowed us to step virtually outside our homes via Zoom for a brief moment. He has a degree in engineering, has taught at UW, and has a love for bridges. During our Hope Grows Here event in 2023, he was further recognized by having the Foundation Help$ Grant program named in his honor. Bob is a Sarcoma survivor and has a loving wife, two daughters, and even a few grandchildren. We are thankful he continues to support the NWSF.

2022

DR. PATRICIA READ-WILLIAMS

Dr. Patricia Read-Williams has been a long-standing member of the board, taking on the role of president from 2016 through 2020 and standing as past president in 2021. Patty is a Sarcoma survivor, family practitioner, mother of two beautiful daughters, a grandmother, and a wife. She is dedicated to the NW Sarcoma Foundation, her Dragonslayer team the Sole Sisters has raised thousands of dollars over the eleven-plus years she has been a part of the organization. She has been an integral part of the organization's survival throughout the years and the pandemic.