Lynette Veelman, an Alaskan Adventurer and Woman with a Golden Heart
Chondrosarcoma Awareness Day
February 6, 2026
Show Your Support for Chondrosarcoma Research and Clinical Trials
https://csfshayna.org/support-cs-research/
Every February 6, the Chondrosarcoma Foundation initiates Chondrosarcoma Awareness Day to bring awareness to Chondrosarcoma and honor the legacy of Shayna Elise Kramer who passed away from this rare cancer in November 2019. This February 6, 2026, will be her 35th heavenly birthday. It was Shayna’s wish to educate the public about Chondrosarcoma and support patients and their families suffering from this rare disease.
Every year we pay tribute to CS Survivors and those who lost their battle with Chondrosarcoma. For the next six weeks leading up to February 6 we will share the life story and journey of a fellow Chondrosarcoma Warrior.
Our first tribute is Lynette Veelman. Lynette was a Founding Board Member of the Chondrosarcoma Foundation. Lynette from Anchorage, AK passed away this past March from complications of chondrosarcoma. Lynette was active with the Foundation for five years and has battled this beast for over eight years.
I met Lynette shortly after losing my daughter Shayna and started the CS foundation. Out of nowhere, we received a package from Lynette. She took the time to sketch “Sunflowers for Shayna.” The picture she drew is framed and hangs prominently in our kitchen and we also made it the cover of our “Thank you” cards for foundation contributors. Five years later, I still draw strength and inspiration from Lynette’s small act of kindness. When I look at that picture, or I print a thank you for a donation note on a card, I think of Lynette.
Lynette contributed her talents and dedication to helping others suffering from this ultra rare cancer. Unless you knew Lynette personally, you would never know her strength, kindness, caring and dedication to finding a cure for chondrosarcoma. Lynette was a fighter. I recall a meeting in Boston, when Lynette told everyone that she volunteers to participate in clinical trials with no expectation to help herself but does it in the effort to help others who get diagnosed with chondrosarcoma in the future. Lynette was a pioneer, she enrolled in clinical trials, tried immunotherapy, ablation and never gave up fighting.
On March 17, Lynette sent me an e-mail indicating she was going into hospice. I did not want her to give up and asked if she wanted our Tumor Board to look into options for her. Lynette replied that she was okay with the option of hospice even though she did not like it. With her fighting spirit, Lynette went on to say that if she was alive in three weeks they would take her off hospice and let her have another infusion.
Before, Lynette went into hospice I sent her an e-mail indicating that I would be remiss if I did not tell her how much she meant to me and how much I have appreciated all of her support over the past five years and that she has been an inspiration and have given me the strength to carry-on. I had to let her know how much I have appreciated your kindness and generosity and how much I admired her strength and courage. I am grateful that I got to share my thoughts directly to Lynette before she went home.
Lynette was an adventurous person who loved the wilderness. I heard, the day before she passed away, that Lynette was riding her bike and being outside. We will miss Lynette and remember her kindness and personal sacrifices. Our fight to beat this beast continues and we do it to honor Lynette and those who lost their battle to this beast. In honor of Lynette, we will not stop fighting until we find a cure. Lynette will always be remembered, and we will honor the legacy that Lynette has left us.
