What Does CCAN DO?

For the past 7 years CCAN has provided information and support to NET patients and caregivers through e-mail, our web site, and toll free phone number. Our phone line is open 7 days a week 9 am – 9 pm EST, 365 days a year! The phone line is answered by a patient or a caregiver at all times. This is very important to us . We want you to know the person on the other end of the phone understands first hand about the disease.

Several thousand free information packets have been mailed worldwide. We provided many support groups worldwide with information, merchandise, awareness items and financial support.

Did you ever wonder where those stuffed zebras and zebra bracelets came from? Designed by CCAN, over 250,000 bracelets have been distributed to date. We also distribute other awareness items such as tote bags, rulers, calendars, lapel pins, and car magnets.

CCAN has produced two dozen conferences benefiting thousands of patients and their families. With these conferences under our belts we make sure patients can make informed decisions regarding their care. CCAN provided funding to the National Patient Conferences in 2005, 06, 07 & 09 and the International Canadian Conference in 2008. CD ROMs and internet replays of many of these events are available through CCAN for patients around the world. CCAN also provided funding and support to The North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society since 2006. CCAN has been a NANETS member since 2007 and on the advisory board since 2009.

CCAN exhibits at medical trade shows and medical meetings such as ASCO- ‘06, ‘07, ’08, ’09, ASCO GI ’09 Digestive Disease Week (2007), Interventional Radiology ’08, NANETS ’08 ’09,'10 '11 & local fairs.

2010 year in review

2010 CCAN with Inter Science Institute produced two regional conferences. The events were held in San Francisco, CA in July and September in Alexandria, VA. Our guest speakers were Dr Eugene Woltering, Dr Thomas O’Dorisio, Dr Aaron Vinik, And Dr Bill Go. Over 300 patients were able to attend these events. The event will be posted later next month on our website.

CCAN played a large part in the planning of the First Worldwide NET Cancer Day that was held November 10, 2010. CCAN sent out emails, faxes and letters to each of the governors across the USA and the territories. We had a good response for the first year. CCAN has had NY State since 2006 declared November Carcinoid/NET cancer Awareness Month.

In celebration of Carcinoid /NET Cancer Month CCAN did some Awareness and fundraising events. November 5th we held our 2nd Annual Strides for Stripes Zebra walk. Over 400 people attended. The NY Islanders Hockey Ice team was on hand with a prize wheel and moon bounce. Each walker received a tee shirt, bottled water, snack bars, and hand warmers. They were fed a delicious lunch of hero’s salads and apples for desert. Each walker received a free ticket for a 3ft stuffed zebra. Depending on the amount raised walkers could win prizes ranging for car magnets, small stuffed zebras, Hockey tickets or even tickets to our Annual Gala.

November 10th was a special day. Being the first Worldwide Net Cancer Day Bob and Maryann Wahmann went to Novartis to celebrate along with Dr. Richard Warner and Grace Goldstein from the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation. We each had a chance to speak to the employees of Novartis about both foundations. Maryann shared her journey and experience of being a Carcinoid patient . The first Worldwide Net Cancer day would not have taken place without the support of Novartis Oncology (Thank you).

November 13, 2010 was another wonderful evening CCAN hosted our 7th Annual Celebration of life Gala. With over 160 people in attendance it was a great success and a lot of fun. People had chances to win jewelry, big screen TV, trips, gift certificates, wine cooler, paint ball membership, kindle, just to name a few.
The evening began with Maryann Wahmann winning the 2010 Warner advocate award for the work at CCAN that she does with patients around the world. Maryann said "What a true honor that was. To be recognized for the work I have done on behalf of the thousands of patients around the world. However like I told many I would not have been an advocate if it had not been for Monica Warner and without the support of my loving family."

The NY Islanders chose CCAN as the Charity of the game. The game was so much fun. CCAN had a chance to raise money, and awareness that evening. And The Islanders even won the game.

2011 and future plans

In 2011 CCAN will produce 3 regional conferences and maybe two webinars. The conference cities and dates will be announced soon. November 2011 CCAN will host our annual walk, gala and conference on LI. We look forward to The NY Islanders Charity of the game. CCAN will continue to be involved with the steering committee for Worldwide NET Cancer Day! We will continue to run the NY Net Cancer support group as we have since 2003.

Save the date for 2012 NET Cancer National Conference being held in New Orleans, LA. Conference dates are September 20 – 22nd. CCAN and Ochsner Medical Center Kenner will work together to produce another amazing conference for patients and caregivers.

We contribute to medical research whenever funding is available. Recipients include The Carcinoid Cancer Foundation, The NY Presbyterian Medical Center, LSU NET lab replacement, LSU NET Research Fund, The Doctors Cancer Foundation, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, and NANETS.

We won’t stop till there is a cure!