Each year, PMP Pals sponsors the Society of Surgical Oncology/Advance Cancer Therapies conference (SSO/ACT) where specialists worldwide meet to discuss what’s new in peritoneal surface malignancies and related conditions.
Find links to the SSO/ACT 2025 powerpoint presentations here: https://s2.goeshow.com/sso/act/2025/final_program.cfm
Scroll down to Sunday’s Abstract Presentations: PSM Appendix and CRC Translational Science
Here is a sample of what you will find on that page:
Board president Adele Jasion and board treasurer Charmaine Skillman pay their way to attend this event and connect with physicians on Pals’ behalf. Here’s Adele’s recap: PMP Pals was represented at the Society of Surgical Oncology Advanced Cancer Therapies conference (SSO/ACT) on February 14-17. Charmaine and I had the privilege of connecting with our surgical oncology specialists, other medical professionals, researchers, our Medical Advisory Board, and our friends at the ACPMP Research Foundation. We showcased Pals’ dedication to providing support and resources to patients and caregivers affected by Appendix Cancer and its related conditions like Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP). We raised awareness about the tireless work Pals does day in and day out to provide hope, education, support, fellowship, connections, and tools for building emotional resilience and dealing with the psychological challenges faced by PMP patients. The conference brought together opportunities to learn about clinical outcomes, current treatments, clinical trials, research, and other relevant topics as presented by some of the most brilliant minds in the medical community.
One conference highlight was the presentation of the 2025 Gabriella Graham Patient Advocate Award to Dr. Richard Alexander.Jr. from Rutgers Cancer Institute in New Jersey. We were thrilled to see Dr. Alexander recognized for his pioneering research and clinical work in advancing care and treatment for patients and for his heartfelt compassion and commitment to our patient community. Dr. Alexander truly exemplifies the spirit of the Gabriella Graham Patient Advocate Award and we are honored he accepted this year’s award honoring our beloved founder, Gabriella, a fierce advocate for patients who worked tirelessly to connect and inform patients, caregivers, and physicians. We have HOPE for you! Adele Jasion, President, PMP Pals
Appendix cancer survivor and local San Antonian Sheri Doss spearheads local event to highlight health, wellness, appendix cancer, and a birthday she was not destined to see
RELEASE DATE: August 6, 2024
EVENT DATE: September 14, 2024
5K RACE CONTACT: Sheri Doss, San Antonio appendix cancer survivor, sheridoss@pmppals.net 210-262-2538
PMP PALS CONTACT: Charmaine Skillman, Austin appendix cancer survivor, charmaine@pmppals.net 512-694-8300
PRESS CONTACT: Tara Collins, care partner tara@pmppals.net 607-643-5148
MEDIA KIT & IMAGES: https://pmppals.net/media-kit-one-in-a-million-5k-run-walk/
August 12, 2024, San Antonio, TX – San Antonian Sheri Doss is grateful to be alive and celebrating an upcoming milestone birthday. Three years ago, things weren’t so certain. In 2021, Sheri was diagnosed with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP), a rare disease associated with appendix cancer that affects a small cross-section of the world – people of all ages, shapes, genders, and nationalities. After undergoing an intense lifesaving surgery, her health returned due, in large part, to her daily walking routine. Sheri thrives because of her positive attitude, love for walking, and the online support she found through PMP Pals.
According to Sheri, “I want my friends, family, and San Antonio community to get moving! Walking is important to overall health, but also a wellness marker for those recovering from the Mother of All Surgeries.” Sheri created the One in a Million 5K Run/Walk, not just to celebrate her 60th birthday, but to raise awareness of appendix cancer which is on the rise.. “We are celebrating life on September 14. Lace it up and come run, walk, or stroll with us. I want to give something back, to Pals, and my neighbors; I’d love to see you there to support a great cause.”
Fellow appendix cancer survivor and PMP Pals board member Charmaine Skillman of Austin, TX adds, “It’s been 26 years since I was first diagnosed with Stage IV appendix cancer. The last 15 years I have lived with No Evidence of Disease, what we call ‘NED.’ Many people go misdiagnosed for years before an accurate assessment of their pathology reveals this rare cancer. Many of us receive life-extending treatment in time, others are not so lucky. PMP Pals is a global peer support community that helps patients and care partners navigate the complexity of an appendix cancer diagnosis, treatment, and life afterward. There are four subtypes of appendix cancer and its symptoms, if any, mimic those of other more common conditions. Stage IV appendix cancer does not need to be a death sentence. It does, however, require consultation with an appendix cancer specialist. Depending on the disease subtype, progression is slow or fast. This 5K run/walk helps put appendix cancer on the map and hopefully, we’ll educate a couple of people and physicians in the process.”
The One in a Million 5K Run/Walk is open to people of all ages. It offers virtual participation, as well as an in-person, lace-it-up, event on September 14 at Lady Bird Johnson Park, 10700 Nacogdoches Rd., SATX 78217. Awards will be given in a variety of age categories and a 1-mile funwalk is open to those waiting a shorter distance. Registration opens at 7:30am with a Runner Welcome at 8:30a and race start at 9:00 am. Participants can also register online here: https://bit.ly/One-in-a-Million-5K-RaceWalk-2024 – Early Bird Registration of $40 guarantees a race shirt, but that pricing expires August 14 at midnight. Sponsorships are also available from $150 up and most include free and discounted entries: https://bit.ly/Be-a-One-in-a-Million-5K-Sponsor.
The One in a Million 5K Run/Walk is sponsored by: PMP Pals, LMNT hydration drink, SPORTea, Soler’s Sports, Culligan Water of San Antonio, Pearls of Wisdom G’s, Association of Insurance Management (AIM), The Henley Family, Stone Oak Shuttle, and individuals worldwide. with packet pick-up on September 12, 4-7pm at La Tea Da, 434 N Loop 1604 W, Ste 1101, SATX. Those needing more information on the One in a Million 5K Run/Walk, sponsorships, registration, or volunteering, email Sheri Doss sheridoss@pmppals.net.
WHO IS PMP PALS? PMP Pals is a global network of patients and care partners living beyond an Appendix Cancer diagnosis, and its related conditions like Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) which affect the gastrointestinal system, digestion, and nutrition. Founded in 1998, PMP Pals was created when Gabriella Graham, diagnosed with low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN), needed answers. She created PMP Pals to fill the gap in public information, physician knowledge, patient resources, and community connections needed. PMP Pals provides peer support that helps Pals go the distance with this rare disease. You gotta dig deep by building the emotional resilience needed to manage the physical side effects of surgery and treatment and the mental impact of possible recurrence. PMP Pals provides HOPE to over 1200 people worldwide through its programs in card-writing packages; warm, cuddly blankets for extended hospital stays; HOPE bears of care and inspiration; 1-1 mentoring; and twice-weekly Zoom calls online. For more information, visit www.pmppals.net.
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Amber is the official color of Appendix Cancer Awareness. It symbolizes the courage, strength, and resilience of appendix cancer patients, care partners, and their families. Working together, we aim to raise awareness among a wider community through shared messaging. Together we are stronger and louder…tog (ACPMP)ether we can make a difference!
PMP Pals, Appendix Cancer PMP Research Foundation (ACPMP), Pseudomyxoma Survivor, and CANCollaborate are united in enhancing understanding and support for patients with appendix cancer and the related condition pseudomyxoma peritonei. We’re advocating for more patient and care partner considerations, aggressive research to discover new treatments, and approval of existing, off-label uses. The goal? A cure, be it immunotherapy, chemotherapy cocktails, improved best practices, or early detection.
Join us this August as we come together to shine a light on appendix cancer and support those battling this rare and challenging disease. Here’s what you can do:
