The MIB Agents Junior Advisory Board and NextGen members play a vital role in our community. They help shape the direction of programs, education, advocacy, and research, ensuring that the voices of OsteoWarriors and families remain at the center of our work. We are excited to welcome our 2026 JAB and NextGen group, and cannot wait to see the meaningful progress they will make this year.
Hello, my name is Mackenzie Maddry. I am 19 years old from NW Arkansas. At the end of 2020, I was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in my left femur. I had 9 months of chemo and a limb salvage with a cadaver bone replacing where the tumor was. A year after being NED my surgery site got infected. I had 3 more leg surgeries. Between those surgeries and past chemotherapy it put a lot of stress on my heart and I went into end stage heart failure in 2022. I had an LVAD (heart pump) put in to keep my heart pumping for almost 2 years before having a heart transplant in 2024. I love advocating for childhood cancer research. I am now a freshman in college studying to become a nurse. My dream job is to work in pediatrics in either oncology or cardiology to make it better for other kids.
Hello! My name is Elise Robinson, I am 19 and attending school at Texas A&M University for pre-nursing. I am currently 10 years NED from Osteosarcoma with a right rotationplasty. I have been on MIB’s Junior Advisory Board for 6 years and have enjoyed helping MIB Agents in every way I can. Some of my hobbies include thrifting, advocating, and diamond art.
Hi, my name is Akash. I was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in May 2022 when I fell at school and broke my left femur. I did the standard 9 month MAP treatment alongside a limb salvage surgery which was complicated by necrosis, leading to me getting a free flap from my right thigh (now I have two cool scars!). Throughout the years following, I had a few more hiccups in my limb recovery, including several infections and several more full leg reconstruction surgeries alongside months of IV and oral antibiotics to control, suppress, and kill the infections in my hardware. I currently have a titanium rod that goes from the top of my femur to the top of my tibia! I love to draw, make music, spend time with my family and friends, swim, and learn. I'm currently a sophomore studying Biomedical Engineering at Boston University right now, and I have hopes of making a real difference in patients with osteosarcoma by a means of advocacy, research, and hopefully becoming a physician myself someday.
Hi! My name is Avery Krause. I’m a 16 year old from Omaha Nebraska. I was diagnosed with a 6 inch tumor in my right tibia bone in May of 2025. I did 14 rounds of chemo, and got a below the knee amputation. I have some heart and kidney problems because of the chemo. I’m in remission! There are a lot of kids out there who don’t have the same outcome as me and I want to know why. My goal in life is to help as many their kids make it through just like I did.
Hi, my name is Avi Cotten, I am 18 years old and a high school senior in Massachusetts. I became familiar with MIB through my older brother, Akash, who was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in 2022. Seeing the numerous complications he had to deal with, even once his chemotherapy ended, motivated me to want to bring more overall awareness to Osteosarcoma and its long-lasting impacts. Beyond this, I am currently applying to college with hopes of studying finance or economics, and my goal is to work in finance after college.
My name is Caroline Ray, I’m a 18 year old high school senior from Crofton, Maryland. I was diagnosed with high grade 3 osteosarcoma of my left distal femur in May of 2023 and underwent an allograft reconstruction in August of that year, as well as 6 rounds of MAP protocol and a revision surgery in July 2024. My diagnosis and subsequent journey led me to start Cards Against Cancer, a club at my school that gives back to Johns Hopkins Children’s Hospital, where I received treatment. I plan to attend college in the fall and major in biomedical sciences with the hope of becoming a pediatric oncologist in the future.
My name is Daniel Saptari, and I am an 19-year-old OsteoWarrior from Massachusetts! I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in my left distal femur in July 2020. I then underwent over a year of chemotherapy and immunotherapy and a bone-growth limb-salvage procedure, and I have been NED ever since. In July 2023, I had a rotationplasty amputation. I'm currently a first-year at Georgia Tech studying mechanical engineering, but in my free time, I love to work on projects and play music. I am grateful for this opportunity to be able to serve on MIB's Junior Advisory Board.
My name is Darya Golesorkhi. I’m a 15-year-old high school Freshman from Northern Virginia and I recently lost my brother to metastasized osteosarcoma. He was initially diagnosed in 2019, eventually relapsing multiple times and passing away in 2025. He endured over a dozen surgeries, two being amputations of his left leg, and multiple clinical trials. My goal is to try to make it better for other kids and families going through osteosarcoma. I love playing volleyball, spending time with friends and family, and binge watching cheesy TV shows.
Hi my name is Erin Cox. I am 15 years old from Danville, Illinois. On New Years Eve of 2019, I was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in my left femur. I had 11 months of Chemo and a limb salvage surgery. In November 2025, I reached 5 years NED. I still have my original implant, Lefty Lou! I am a freshman in high school and doing the things I love including theater, showchoir, and dance team. I want to become a Music Therapist knowing how much music therapy helped me during my treatment. I want to be able to share that comfort and healing through the arts with others.
My name is Evan Saptari. I am a 17-year-old OsteoSibling and a senior at Lexington High School in Massachusetts. My brother was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his left distal femur during the COVID years of 2020. He went through chemotherapy and immunotherapy for over a year, working towards a bone-growth limb-salvage series of procedures. After complications, he underwent a rotationplasty amputation in July of 2023. In my free time I love to play guitar for my church, and tennis both recreationally and for the high school team. I enjoy learning new skills, and I love spending time with my friends and family. I am very grateful for this opportunity to serve on the MIB Junior Advisory Board, and I am excited to see what we can do!
My name is Gillian Bomi Okimoto, and I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at age 11 in December of 2017. I went through nine months of chemotherapy and nine surgeries in a process called distraction osteogenesis. I am now 7 years NED. Now, I'm a sophomore in college studying environmental science and illustration, and I spend my time taking photos for the school paper, learning woodcarving, and cheering for my favorite sports teams. With MIB Agents, I hope to continue to push for improvements in pediatric cancer research and support newly diagnosed families in tough times.
My name is Harley Lopez. I am 20 years old and live in Arizona. My brother was diagnosed in December of 2023 with Osteosarcoma in his left ankle. Only a few months later, halfway through his treatments, he had a below the knee amputation. This was a very difficult journey for my family, but thankfully we had amazing doctors, caregivers and friends to guide us. Since then it has been my family’s mission to advocate for cancer research. My brother’s story is one of the many reasons why I continue to choose a career path in healthcare.
Hi my name is Inaaya Shariq and I am 17 years old. During October 2020 I was first diagnosed with osteosarcoma at 11 after breaking my right femur. I did 10 months of MAP chemotherapy and in the middle of treatment, the day before my 12th birthday, I had a limb salvage surgery (rod through my femur + knee replacement). I rang the bell July 2021! My freshman year of high school, November 2023, I relapsed at 14 years old with the osteosarcoma in the same leg. Since the reoccurrence was around 2 years, I was told that if I did not amputate, the osteosarcoma would come back in 2 years time. So after 6 months of ifos+etop chemotherapy, I had my hip-disarticulation amputation when I was 15 at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. I am now 1 year cancer free, 2 years in April! I am now fully reliant on a prosthetic and use forearm crutches. I’ll be a senior in high school in the fall. I love to read, play cards, and watch movies in my free time. I swim, rock climb, and ski.
My name is Jacob Knudsen, I am a 18 year old OsteoWarrior and I live in Northern California. I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in my right femur at 12 years old in September 2019. I underwent chemotherapy and a limb salvage surgery, so now I have an internal prosthetic and knee replacement in my right leg. I completed treatment in May 2020, then relapsed in my lung in May 2021. Since then I have been able to get to NED, but not for long periods of time. I have had 6 recurrences total including the worst one in February 2023, when my recurrence included a nodule in my lung, one in my lymph node, and one in my kidney. I’ve been on several treatment regimens including two clinical trials. I’m currently on a clinical trial and am two months NED. My hobbies include sports, working out, hanging out with friends and family, traveling and trying to spread kindness, and awareness for childhood cancer.
Aloha everyone! My name is Keely Tamayose, and I am an OsteoSibling. I am a Sophomore at Pearl City High School in Pearl City, Hawaii. My sister Ally was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2018 and passed away in 2023. I loved helping my sister with all the fundraisers she did for MIB, and I hope to help continue her legacy. I was a part of the MIB Junior Advisory Board this past year, and I am so excited to be on the MIB Junior Advisory Board again! I love playing soccer and spending time with my family and friends.
My name is Leela Kocinsky. I am an Osteosibling to my older sister, Sona, who was diagnosed in 2019 and is now six-years cancer free. I am currently a sophomore at the University of Southern California studying biology. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors (usually running or hiking), discovering weird music, and spending time with family and friends. I am honored to be a part of MIB Agents JAB this year and I look forward to contributing to a great year!
My name is Lincoln Zick and I am a 17 year old OsteoWarrior survivor living in Los Angeles. I was diagnosed twice, once in the right tibia, and then in the right humerus. I have always had an active lifestyle and even after my treatments and surgeries, I still participate in my high school's swimming and golfing teams. Currently in remission, I am excited to serve my second year as a member of the JAB!
Hi, my name is Luke Carter. I'm 17 years old and from Mclean, Virginia. My uncle Scott passed away from osteosarcoma in his tibia when he was 13, and our family created the Scott Carter Foundation, which has raised over a million dollars for cancer research. This is my third year serving on the JAB, and in particular, I have loved advocacy and lobbying on Capitol Hill. In my free time, I like to run, play piano, and hang out with my two brothers.
My name is Max Bisaga and I am the youngest brother to OsteoWarrior Andrew Bisaga. I was 6 years old when my brother was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. I am now 15 years old and a freshman in high school. I have been fortunate to attend multiple MIB factor conferences and participate in HQ. It has helped me grow as a person and shown me the good that can come from a terrible situation. I am excited to offer support, understanding and acceptance to the osteosarcoma community and provide a unique perspective as a sibling to a survivor.
Hi, I’m Molly Juliet Penzer and I am pleased to say this is my third year of MiB JAB! I am eighteen years old and a freshman at University at Buffalo! I am studying Library Sciences and hope to one day become a school librarian for elementary aged children. I have a deep connection with MIB, as my family has been with this organization for over five years and I have fond memories of attending FACTOR conferences as a child, meeting other survivors and survivors siblings. I am a sibling of a survivor, my brother Max was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at ten in his right femur, and went through a multitude of treatments before being declared NED. I love the JAB because of its strong support system and the close bonds I have with fellow members and am grateful to be back another year!
Hi, my name is Roshi Cotten. I’m 15, and currently a freshman attending Bancroft School in Worcester, Massachusetts. My eldest brother was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his left femur in May of 2022. He's had several limb salvage surgeries, replacing titanium femoral-tibial mega prosthetics and undergoing skin grafts. After a little under a year of chemotherapy, he was discharged. I love tennis and basketball, but my pride and joy is art. I enjoy all mediums, especially music production. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity on the Junior Advisory Board.
Hi! My name is Sabina McMahon I’m 17 years old and from Portland, Oregon. In September of 2021 I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in my right femur. I endured 9 months of chemotherapy, with a total knee surgery 3 months in to remove the tumor and replace it with an internal titanium prosthetic. I finished treatment in 2022 and was NED for 18 months before relapsing for the first of what has now been 4 times. I love advocating for for childhood cancer research and have been since I was diagnosed. It is crucial that we work harder to find a cure. My dream is to be a singer. I have a couple songs out on streaming (and more on the way!) and hopefully my songs will someday inspire kids fighting cancer to chase their dreams and live life to the fullest.
My name is Sebastian Wang. I am a 16-year-old high school junior living in Houston, Texas. My brother Jaden was diagnosed on April 26, 2021, when he was 7, with osteosarcoma in his right humerus. He fought hard for 3 and a half years before passing away in October 2024. We loved playing Minecraft, Monopoly, and Mario together. He inspires me to do my best to help others, and I hope to make an impact by serving on the JAB. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends and playing chess, piano, and basketball.
Hi! My name is Vivian Eagle (19), and I’m an OsteoWarrior from Indiana. I was first diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the age of 15 in my left knee. After nine months of intense chemotherapy and a limb salvage surgery, I was cancer-free for a year before relapsing in my lungs at age 17. I then underwent several more months of chemotherapy and multiple lung surgeries due to repeated recurrences over the next year. Thankfully, I am now cancer-free and a sophomore at Purdue University studying Biomedical Engineering, with hopes of designing new and improved endoprosthetics like the one I currently have. I am currently on the National Women’s Sitting Volleyball Development Team and won gold at the 2025 Youth Parapan American Games in Santiago, Chile. I am a huge advocate for adaptive sports, as my limb salvage surgery took away my ability to play the sports I once loved. Outside of this, I enjoy traveling, reading, sit-skiing, listening to music, and spending time with friends. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve on the MIB Junior Advisory Board and am excited to see the differences we can make!
My name is Walker Smallwood. I am 22 years old and from Northern Kentucky and am currently in medical school at the University of Kentucky. I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of my left proximal tibia in August of 2018 and underwent typical MAP chemotherapy along with opting for a limb salvage surgery to remove the primary tumor. Upon diagnosis, imaging revealed “suspicious nodules” in my right lung that would be removed via thoracotomy and came back benign. Following treatment I was NED for just under two years when I relapsed with a nodule in my left lung. I have thankfully been NED since the resection of that nodule. Outside of class I enjoy spending time with friends, family, being active, and cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats. This is now my 5th year being a part of MIB and second with NextGen. Im excited to see all the great things that this new group will do in the osteosarcoma community.
My name is Matthew Allen, and I am a Pennsylvania native and longtime member of the MIB community. I first connected with MIB in 2017 after losing my brother Mason to osteosarcoma, and through that connection I found purpose, healing, and a way to honor his legacy. I became a founding Gamer Agent, later served on the Junior Board from 2020 to 2022, and continue to support the organization through logistics, marketing, and events. I am now honored to serve as Vice President of NextGen and as a member of the Board of Directors, where I help guide the growth and impact of MIB’s mission. Outside of MIB, I work as a Client Advocate supporting individuals and families navigating difficult legal circumstances and am preparing to apply to law school to continue building a career rooted in service. I am grateful to carry forward MIB’s work in memory of Mason and in support of every warrior we serve.
My name is Alejandro Lopez, I’m a 23 year old Osteowarrior from San Antonio Texas. I was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at the end of 2023, in my left ankle just 10 days after my 21st birthday. I underwent the standard MAP therapy and decided to go through with a left below the knee amputation in April of 2024. After the completion of my Chemotherapy in October of 2024 I have since been NED. I love fishing, spending time with friends and most of all getting deeper in my faith with Christ! I am very involved in the Sarcoma community, as I help run a local Sarcoma Foundation at home in San Antonio. I love advocating on behalf of OsteoWarriors, OsteoAngels and their families. This is my 2nd year being involved with MIB. I am very excited what 2026 has in store for NextGen and for MIB!
My name is Andrew Bisaga, and I am a 19-year-old OsteoWarrior. In late 2017, I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in my right proximal femur, undergoing MAP chemotherapy and a limb salvage surgery. I was declared NED in early 2018 and have been since. I’m currently a junior at Creighton University studying biology, but in my free time I like to bake, salsa, and play guitar.
My name is Anne Urzynicok, and I am a sibling to an OsteoWarrior. I am 20 years old and am from Baltimore, but am currently a junior at the University of Michigan, where I am studying biomedical engineering. I want to pursue a career in cancer research, hopefully in sarcomas specifically. My little brother was diagnosed with multifocal osteosarcoma in both of his knees in 2018, just two days after his 11th birthday. He underwent MAP therapy and had a double limb salvage surgery, along with multiple lung surgeries to remove metastatic tumors. Since then, he has relapsed no less than four times, going through so many surgeries and countless nights in the hospital. Now, he has joined me up at University of Michigan is loving his freshman year of college. We've enjoyed studying and hanging out on campus together, and I also love to spend time with my friends. I am looking forward to this year with NextGen!
My name is Camille Brady (23), and I’m an OsteoWarrior from New Jersey. I was first diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma at 12-years-old, and remained in remission for five years before I was diagnosed with radiation-induced osteosarcoma during my senior year of high school. In addition to undergoing chemotherapy for the second time, I underwent an extremely invasive surgery, receiving a total left hip replacement and pelvic reconstruction. This surgery significantly impacted my motor function in my left leg. Today, I use a crutch to walk and wear a brace to mediate my foot drop. While I’m not sure if I’ll ever ditch the crutch, it doesn’t slow me down. I love traveling the world, going to concerts, and walking countless blocks through New York City with my best friends. When I’m not on my feet, you’ll find me watching true crime documentaries or teaching myself how to crochet. I’m a recent graduate of Cornell University ‘25 and work full-time in Washington, D.C. at the leading trade association for the nuclear energy industry. I’m incredibly honored to serve on MIB Agent’s NextGen ‘26 and continue advocating for the pediatric cancer community.
I am a two-time osteosarcoma survivor and eleven years No Evidence of Disease. I served as President of the Junior Advisory Board in 2021 and FACTOR HQ Co-Lead in 2024 and 2025. Currently, I am a NextGen team member and Ambassador Agents volunteer. I completed my undergraduate degree in Health Science at Northeastern University in 2022 and worked as a Senior Clinical Research Coordinator in the Janeway Genomics Lab at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute until 2024 before beginning medical school at Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth.
My name is Matthew Ceelen, and I am a 23-year-old osteowarrior from Mequon, Wisconsin. During a freshman football intra-squad scrimmage in 2017, I broke my humerus, which eventually revealed osteosarcoma. Undergoing multiple rounds of MAP chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and two major limb salvage surgeries, I am proud to say that I am eight years NED (no evidence of disease). Recently, I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, receiving a degree in biomedical engineering. While applying to medical schools, I currently work at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin as a nursing assistant, on the same unit I was treated at. In my free time, I enjoy reading classic novels, running, learning about history, and exploring the Milwaukee area, the place I call home. This is my fourth year on a MIB board and my second on NextGen, and I cannot wait for my favorite year in MIB.
My name is Max Penzer, I am a 21-year old osteosarcoma survivor from Long Island NY. Currently, I am an undergraduate pre-med student at Tufts University. I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in my right distal femur when I was ten years old, in 2015. I was treated at NewYork-Presbyterian and am almost 10 years NED. I’m an MIB Ambassador Agent, and have served on the JAB for four years. In my free time, I enjoy crocheting and new reality TV shows.
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Hi all! My name is Sammy Ulloa, I am a 23 year old OsteoWarrior and I live in Southern California. Prior to my diagnosis, I was a Division 1 cross country and track athlete at Saint Mary's College of CA. I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in my right proximal tibia at the age of 19 in August of 2022. I underwent 9 months of chemotherapy and a limb salvage surgery which left me with an internal prosthetic in my right leg. I completed treatment in May of 2023 and I have been in complete remission ever since. In my free time outside of my studies, I enjoy reading, spending time with family and friends, and co-hosting MIB’s AYA OsTEAo podcast.
Hello everyone! My name is Shannon McCormack, and I am 23 years old from Long Island, New York. My older brother Dylan was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2013. 11 months later, he was cured. However, he continued to face several health complications after finishing treatment. In 2021, Dylan sadly passed away after a lifelong battle to regain his health. Due to this, I felt drawn back to the medical field, and I hope to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant. I currently work as an EMT, and graduated from Binghamton University with a degree in Biology this past year. I am so excited to see what Next Gen accomplishes this year, and I am thrilled to be a part of it!
My name is Sloane Dyer, I am a 21-year-old OsteoWarrior, and I’m from Chicago but currently live in DFW, Texas while I complete my undergrad degree. I was diagnosed in 2016 when I was 12 years old and underwent MAP protocol and initial limb salvage surgery. I am thankful to be 8 years NED, yet in that time I have dealt with a lot of surgical issues. Six years after my diagnosis, I had an elective above knee amputation. Outside of class I love to hang out with my friends, create music, draw, and cook and bake. I have spent many years on the junior advisory board, and can’t wait to be apart of NextGen.
My name is Sona Kocinsky. I was born and raised in Connecticut, and I graduated from Tufts University in the spring of 2025. I am currently a first-year medical student at Harvard Medical School in Boston. I am also an OsteoWarrior. In 2019, I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the scapula at age 16. During my junior and senior years of high school, I underwent MAP chemotherapy and surgery to remove and replace my scapula. Now 22, I am six years out from completion of treatment. My experience with cancer continues to be a driving force in my medical career aspirations and my interest in pediatric oncology. I hope to someday provide my future patients with the type of compassionate, patient-centered care I was fortunate to receive as a young cancer patient. Outside of medical school, I enjoy running, rock climbing, hiking, and baking (especially macarons). After serving on the Junior Advisory Board for the past two years, I am thrilled to join NextGen this year and continue supporting the mission of MIB Agents.
