As we welcome the new year, we’re grateful for the strength, dedication, and advocacy that continue to drive this community forward. This January, we are highlighting the Junior Advisory Board’s continued efforts in support of the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act and remain hopeful for what lies ahead in 2026. There are only a few days left to submit abstracts for FACTOR 2026, and Junior Advisory Board applications are now open for passionate young advocates eager to make a difference. We congratulate the Count Me In Osteosarcoma Project for reaching a major milestone with the close of enrollment in December, with research efforts continuing through 2026. As we enter the new year, we are excited for all that we will accomplish together.
With hope,
The MIB Agents Team
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The Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act honors the legacy of Mikaela Naylon, a former JAB member whose advocacy continues to guide this work. Over the past two years, JAB members have traveled to Washington, D.C. for Climb the Hill, advocating directly for this legislation. Their efforts led to a meaningful milestone when the bill passed in the House, a moment some members got to witness firsthand. While the bill did not pass in the Senate last month, momentum continues and important work remains.
Have a compelling topic to share with the osteosarcoma community? We want to hear about it! MIB Agents is now accepting abstract submissions for our FACTOR 2026 conference, June 25-27, 2026 in Columbus, OH. Abstracts will be considered for oral presentation or poster presentation. Submissions are due online at Proposal Central on January 9, 2026.
If you have a job posting and you would like it included here, please email christina@mibagents.org.
Being a member of the JAB is an amazing way to:
- Get to know and develop friendships with fellow AYA OsteoWarriors
- Advocate in a substantial way for better and equally accessible treatments for all
- Have a hand in MIB Agents programs and practices
- Travel to and participate in our renowned FACTOR Conference
*Any JAB member from 2025 who is between 21 and 25 is eligible for NextGen.
MIB Agents is offering a limited number of travel awards for FACTOR 2026 (June 25–27, Columbus, OH) for researchers, physicians, and OsteoWarriors. OsteoWarriors can be nominated for a travel award by social workers, child life specialists, or medical professionals. Applications and nomination forms open January 12, 2026.
Learn More About Travel Awards
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The osteosarcoma community reached a major milestone with the close of enrollment for the Count Me In Osteosarcoma Project on December 12, 2025. To date, 339 patients have consented to participate, contributing 153 tumor samples from 92 patients, 168 saliva kits, 90 blood kits, and 295 medical records from 205 patients - helping build one of the most impactful participant-driven datasets in sarcoma research. These numbers are not final, as the OSproject continues to collect samples and medical records from consented participants. While enrollment has closed, the work continues: sample collection, sequencing, and data analysis will proceed through 2026 to advance understanding of osteosarcoma biology, treatment decisions, and inherited risk. Eligible participants may still receive study updates, shared findings, and access to no-cost germline genetic testing.
This progress reflects a shared commitment between patients, families, and researchers, bringing hope for better answers and outcomes. Questions? Contact info@osproject.org.
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