Tom Amschwand created the vision for ASCF shortly before his death at age 30. Following his eighteen-month battle with sarcoma and after the loss of his mother, Kathryn, who also had this rare disease. Tom shared his dream to be able to provide free housing for cancer patients (including those with sarcoma) and their families. 

​ASCF was the first-ever non-profit to focus equal attention on sarcoma research, sarcoma awareness and tangible support for sarcoma patients and their families. More than seventeen years after our inception in 2001, over fifty organizations have been created with the sole purpose of supporting sarcoma research and increasing awareness, but none offer housing nor navigation services for cancer families as a part of their stated mission.  

As a result, ASCF evolved to meet the growing demands of housing, navigation services, and celebrations for those with all types of cancer. In 2017, ASCF's Board of Directors unanimously voted to focus our efforts where we could continue to make the greatest impact. ASCF (formerly Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation) became A Shelter for Cancer Families. ​