Caring for Carcinoid Foundation - Board of Patient Advisors

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Board of Patient Advisors

The Board of Patient Advisors provides the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation (CFCF) with advice about how to support patients and partner in the fight against carcinoid.

All members of the Board of Patient Advisors are:

Carcinoid / NET survivors
Dedicated to supporting the carcinoid community
Dedicated to achieving CFCF's mission

The Board of Patient Advisors comprises highly distinguished community leaders who share a commitment to discovering a cure for carcinoid.

Brenda Mottram, Chairman
Craig Berkson
Duane Collie
Kimberly Condon
Eva Donoghue
Bill Evans
Ruth Gerdes
Brenda Hawks
Jim Mannett
Patrice Rasmussen
Jan Peine

Personal Statement

Brenda's Survivor Story

Personal Statement

"I am very honored to be part of an organization that both works toward finding a cure for carcinoid and providing care and support for the patients and families who have also been impacted by this rare form of cancer.

When I was diagnosed and underwent 12.5 hours of related surgery in 2004, there were really no options and few trials. In the past 4 years, there has been significant progress in the science, clinical trials are now available and many others are in the pipeline. With continued focus and and resources, we can find a cure and beat this disease and those of us dealing with the disease are in a unique position to understand the needs of those affected.

Through my participation on the CFCF team that rode in this year's Pan Mass Challenge, I not only met and rode with an incredible group of people, but also had the opportunity see a very focused and well run the foundation in action, and meet and hear from some of the scientists at the forefront of carcinoid research. I look forward to playing an active role as an advocate for this important cause.

I look forward to playing an active role as an advocate for this important cause."

Duane Collie

Personal Statement

"In a very short time period, I went from being diagnosed with the rare cancer we call carcinoid, to being told I was a doomed man. And I didn't even feel sick! By nature I'm a scrapper, and I am was not going down without a fight. I fired my doctors and went in search of a smarter physician. My results paid off, and I am now cancer-free.

I believe in what Nancy and Patrick are trying to accomplish, and their philosophy in running the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation. I am on the Board of Patient Advisors to help others in their quest to rid themselves of this disease and promote awareness and education of this cancer. Knowledge is Power."

Duane's Survivor Story

Kimberly Condon

Personal Statement

"I pray that by our meeting together, that we collectively will find a cure for carcinoid. We must strive to improve the lives of us all and know that a cure is within our reach.

I am excited about being on a team, part of an organization that is dedicated 100% to this cause. As a survivor myself, this is one of the most important things I have done in my life and am excited about the future."

Kimberly's Survivor Story

Eva Donoghue

Personal Statement

"I am honored to be serving the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation via the Board of Patient Advisors. What an extraordinary opportunity to be part of the foundation of this cutting-edge organization, immersed in science and research and dedicated to finding a cure for this disease which is so often misunderstood, misdiagnosed and miserable.

What we do here gives us the opportunity to bring hope to ourselves and to others while sharing strengths and experiences and building community."

Eva's Survivor Story

Bill Evans

Personal Statement

"My primary reason for supporting and helping the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation is that it brings hope to so many who have felt they were in a hopeless situation.

A cure can be found and will be found through the dedicated efforts of the true warriors that guide this foundation.

As a carcinoid patient, I believe this disease can be beaten. We are told it is treatable but not curable. That may be true at present but not for long with the proper research.

It has been proven many times over that when good folks gather together and unite in an effort, they are usually victorious.

Well, here and now is a coming together of many different walks of life, cultures, and backgrounds, all dedicated to a common cause. Together we will overcome.

I am adding my one small voice to the growing chorus of others so we can assure future generations they can live free of this disease."

Bill's Survivor Story

Ruth Gerdes

Personal Statement

"Knowledge is power.

With considerable help from my primary care physician, my doctors came up with an aggressive approach to my situation. I encourage all to find the approach that works best for them.

I feel great, and know that many others can do well too."

Ruth's Survivor Story

The Nemaha County Herald did a two part feature on Ruth's battle with carcinoid:

Part One (6/5/2008)

Part Two (6/12/2008)

KPTM-Omaha featured TV interview with Ruth Gerdes

Jan Peine

Personal Statement

"I have been impressed by the professionalism and intense focus of the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation since I became aware of them in 2005. I share in their vision of finding a cure for carcinoid.

Patient input is one more useful element in finding that cure, and I hope that I can assist in that capacity as a member of the Board of Patient Advisors."

Jan's Survivor Story