Because of you and because of this wonderful organization so many have been given hope, education and years of life lived to the fullest. I attended a conference in 2004… I came hopeless to New Orleans that year given the dx of only 1 to 5 years to live with the amount of disease that had attacked my liver… from that conference I learned I could be hopeful… I could choose to be proactive. I chose the HOPE of life after a diagnosis of stage IV neuroendocrine cancer. 19 years later, I now have no evidence of disease. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to neuroendocrine cancer… forever grateful. — Jeanne Lambert

After over 7 years of struggling with this dreadful disease and exhaustive searches for the right medical care NCAN came to the rescue. I attended one of their sponsored presentations in another state and within weeks found the best medical team I’ve ever encountered. I now have the care I need, that I can afford and a game plan for my future. I am no longer battling this disease alone. Forever indebted to this organization and the tireless, caring people who run it. — Maria S, Patient

I was dx with stage 4 Neuroendocrine Cancer Jan. 2013. Having a long family history of cancer (none Net) I felt lost and hopeless. I had never heard of Neuroendocrine and frantically searched the internet. I stumbled across NCAN & reached out to Maryann who sent me a package full of helpful information. I sincerely thank NCAN & Maryann for giving hope to the hopeless! — Lisa McCall, Patient

I’m a nurse who works in adult oncology. I had a patient last night who found his way to us and a very important surgery because of you. I wanted to thank you for what you do and for the ginormous amount of hope and happiness you have brought to this man and his family’s life. He was crying tears of joy for the way you changed the path of his life.
Thank you for what you do. — Anonymous

I’ve been a part of several awareness networks and peripherally involved with many more Cancer groups, and NCAN is easily at the top of my list. From the top down the people I’ve met and the resources they offer patients and families is remarkable. And it’s constantly being updated, refreshed and adjusted to fit the needs of Neuroendocrine Cancer patients and families. I like that they go to their network to see what the members need, rather than the other way around. Every person I’ve had contact with in the network–from patients, to the organizers, doctors, speakers and conference attendees– has been warm, friendly and helpful. Just what you’re looking for in tough times. I’m positive this attitude starts and spreads from the top, from the organizers Maryann & Bob. Thankfully there are people (and networks) like this in the world. — Anonymous

When I was diagnosed with a NeuroEndocrine tumor in my lungs four years ago, like everyone else, my husband and I had never even heard of this rare cancer. We felt so lost, and alone. Where were the pink ribbons and races for family & friends to show their support, for us to find support and most importantly – accurate information to keep me ALIVE?

I had been given less than 30 days to live – my children were only 5 and 11 years old! My husband and I were on a deserted island and the water was rising quickly — then an amazing woman named Maryann Wahmann entered my life – a NET cancer patient herself and the founder/president of NCAN. She spent an HOUR on the phone with me, teaching me about my disease, telling me where I could find specialists who knew how to treat me, assuring me that we were not alone, and there WERE things I could do! The phone call that started in hopeless tears finished in laughter and tears of joy, purpose and relief.

Within days, I received a huge packet of information and even zebra print advocacy bracelets (don’t underestimate how much these mean). My husband and I cried and clutched that information packet like the life-saving treasure it was. NCAN asked for nothing, and gave me everything.

Within a year of my diagnosis, not only was I ALIVE and doing great, I had also started a support group for other lung NET (aka Lungnoid) patients and their caretakers (Lovable Lungnoids). Maryann and NCAN partnered with NET specialist Dr. Eric Liu, and Lovable Lungnoids, and gave us the worlds first lungnoid conference! NCAN did all the work, got all the funding, hosted an incredible event and allowed me to have my support group’s name be part of it all. They flew world NET experts in from Sweden (!!!) and arranged for 125 patients to come together for an incredible weekend of support, information and encouragement like never before in history. We got to see not one but TWO NET specialists together in clinic visits in the days before the conference. MANY lives were saved with that one week, and without NCAN, none of it would have been possible. To top it off, NCAN was able to donate 10k to NET cure research as part of our gathering. The cost to attendees? $20 including a delicious healthy breakfast ~and~ lunch. Incredible.

Heartfelt thanks, Maryann, Bob, Tricia, Tom and everyone at NCAN for all you do and for being the first organization to recognize and help the lungnoid community (now 1500 members strong). You’re the best! — Kym O., Patient

I have been to two of the NET conferences organized and performed by the Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Network, Inc. This group is amazingly and self-sacrificing in its mission to promote awareness of NET cancer and to stand by the side of the patient with information, kindness and dare I say Love. The group has a wall on Facebook where almost any question will find an accurate answer. I have deep feelings of gratitude for this group and the people who started it. I have met all of them personally and would be unable to express my thankfulness for the time and energy that they expend for the NET community. THANK YOU NCAN. — Deb

We were at our wits end when my husband was first diagnosed until we found this wonderful foundation called “CCAN” now known as “NCAN”. They have helped my family so much in the last four years from phone calls, to packets, to conferences, you name it. They helped us get on the right track and stay there. Maryann and Bob also run an annual “zebra walk” and our family travels from Florida, Connecticut and NY to be a part of this walk each year. The zebra community is so lucky to have Maryann, Bob and NCAN in their corners. Thank you for always being there for us. — Anonymous

My wife has been a NET survivor for 14 years. It wasn’t until we found NCAN, that the world felt a bit smaller, and the information became more clear. Their work has pushed patient information to levels we couldn’t have imagined 14 years ago. — Anonymous

I attended the national patient conference 2 years ago when looking for answers and direction with a lack of such anywhere else. The information presented was invaluable and has led me in pursuit of not only obtaining the best care I can get for myself, but the ability to extend to others I come in contact with who may be looking for the same. Mad love and admiration for the founders and those involved in this foundation! — Anonymous

I have been a nurse for 26 years and was diagnosed with Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor in December of 2010. I had been getting progressively sicker over a period of years, with bizarre symptoms, flushing, rash that would lead to anaphylaxis. I was down to 85 pounds and nearly died. I had surgery at MD Anderson Cancer center in February of 2011. I was told NOTHING about my tumor, a PNET and the surgeon literally told me that “if your cancer comes back, we take it out”. No other info. 5 years later, after being told by a local oncologist I didn’t need any follow up, I was diagnosed with metastatic disease to my liver and had surgery to remove one lobe. Again I was told nothing about my type of cancer, and was told by an Oncologist that I was “way overreacting” to my new diagnosis when I was crying and upset. Again, I was told nothing about my cancer, and continued to fight these episodes of flushing, rash and fighting off anaphylaxis. My Dr ignored all of my symptoms, and did no further testing. Finally, a family friend who is a radiologist told me that my cancer was rare, and two weeeks ago I googled NETS and found a support site. I was finding information everywhere and literally stayed up the entire night on the internet researching my disease. I found Maryann’s name mentioned several times in patient forums, and everyone said to call her. I reached out to Maryann yesterday (July 13th) through Facebook. She said to call her the next day (today). I can honestly say, through the years rolling down my face, that this woman, a NET patient herself who has devoted her life to this disease is saving my life. At 2:30 in the morning, having no knowledge of any NET specialists in New Mexico, she had a name of a Dr who specializes in this disease, the information that the scan I have needed for years just started here, and I called and had an appointment with this new NET specialist, Dr, Heloisa Soares at UNM cancer center (where I had surgery for metastatic disease in 2016) in one week. I have been suffering with undiagnosed symptoms for years, and in a few hours I was on my way to finally getting the treatment I have needed for years. Maryann and her dedication to this rare cancer is saving my life. I was so sick and so tired of fighting this unknown disease for so many years that last year I was going to take my life. I am grateful that because of my two children I did not. I will dedicate the rest of my life to spreading the word about this cancer and helping and advocating in any way I can any other person diagnosed with this disease. I will be forever indebted to this organization and it’s founder for giving me expert Information and the relief that I have will finally have the knowledge and treatment I need. I say a heartfelt thank you to Maryann and all the people involved in this great organization. I only wish I had found them years ago. — Anonymous

Words cannot express my deep love and gratitude for NCAN. They care immensely for the community, make it their priority to help others in all ways possible, put on amazingly educating conferences that change people’s lives and so much more. Being a part of these conferences have been vital in keeping my husband alive and well. We are so fortunate to now be a part of it as well as have gained so much from all they do for the NET community. I am in awe and inspired daily by them! — Elizabeth, Patient

I have only recently been diagnosed with NET (3 weeks ago) and thus far NCAN has been more helpful to me as a resource than my own oncologist. I have already received information on background of the cancer, labs to request, doctors to seek out, nutritional information, support groups, etc. Due to the rare nature of this type of cancer, there are so few solid resources unless you live in/near a big city. NCAN provided a tremendous amount of information that even Google searches would not have uncovered. NCAN is an invaluable resource. I couldn’t recommend it more highly. — M. Buettne, Patient

I feel so grateful for all that NCAN has done for me since DX just two years ago. I have been able to attend two NCAN conference meetings, where I learned first-hand about my rare disease. I have met doctors, patients and advocates who provided so much insight. My anxiety level continues to decrease and I fee fortunate to have such an invaluable network I can depend on. Thank you Maryann and Bob for being there when I needed this resource so desperately! — Kathleen Cartland, Patient

Nine months after my Neuroendocrine Cancer diagnosis, I attended my first NCAN regional conference. That day was a defining moment in my new life as a cancer patient. The presentations and the professionals were exceptional, but it was the experience of meeting others who shared my rare diagnosis that allowed me to believe in my future again. Bob and Maryann have devoted more than a decade of their lives to bringing awareness of Neuroendocrine Cancer to a very poorly acknowledged group of cancer patients. Their efforts to educate medical professionals and patients are a direct link to the high quality of care I now receive. I am eagerly anticipating my third NCAN conference in September 2019. Thank you, Anne Dabbs. — Anne Dabbs, Patient

Maryann and Bob have changed this cancer. It was once so rare that no one even knew where to start to get help. Because of their consistent effort, hard work and passion for awareness, doctors and patients alike have a place to turn for help and guidance. Thankful for them daily! — Anonymous

My wife has Neuroendocrine Cancer and while searching for information on her cancer she became involved with Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Network. She began to discuss lab tests, scans and other tests for patients which were not available in our area. She discussed different treatments and wondered if they could help her cope and feel better. Truthfully, I listened but privately didn’t know what to expect.

In the fall of 2014, we attended a National Conference hosted by NCAN. At the conference, as we met other patients and caregivers, I watched my wife come back to life. I realized we both needed this outlet for education and support.

We have continued to be involved with NCAN and attend as many functions as possible. We participate in a monthly NCAN support meeting for our in state patients. Several caregivers attend the meetings and we are able to share within the group or privately. Everyone encourages the other members, celebrating the good times and supporting each othef during the bad days.

I look forward to the conferences and educational seminars where we attend the educational sessions, make new friends and reunite with old friends. NCAN is very beneficial to NET patients and plays a vital role in the life of the patient and their caregiver. — Paul Hurt, Caregiver

Without the Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Network, I would never have found the help I needed. Being treated by a specialist is an absolute must with our cancer. MaryAnn had the resources that lead me to Dr. Anthony at the University of Kentucky. Now all I have it one tiny tumor left and it’s trapped in old scar tissue from treatment in the past that wasn’t what I needed. If you don’t see a specialist, you can’t get the proper care. Thank goodness for Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Network. — Rebecca Korzenborn Agner R., Patient

I have learned more from this resource than I did from the hospital staff. Their support helped get me through rough times. Always educational. — Patty Ann L., Patient

I was diagnosed April of 2014 with a neuroendocrine tumor of the ilium. My local oncologist referred me to a NET specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC, Dr Richard Warner. I went to my first appointment with so many questions about this rare cancer. There wasn’t alot of information out there at that time. Dr Warner answered all of my questions and also suggested I go to a NET conference that was being held later that month in NJ. That was the first time I met Maryann and Bob. I learned so much at that conference. The most important thing was I was not alone. My husband and I have since participated in many NCAN confrences and events. Maryann and Bob have done so much for the NET community like spreading awareness, education and Netspiration with Maryann, just to name a few. I’m so grateful that I went to that conference and met Maryann and Bob. They have helped me through this ongoing journey. — Donna, Patient