Media Kit: One in a Million 5K Run/Walk Benefitting PMP Pals Network
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
PRESS RELEASE HERE: https://pmppals.net/one-in-a-million-5k-run-walk-benefits-global-rare-cancer-peer-community/
HEADLINE: One in a Million 5K Run/Walk Benefits Global Rare Cancer Peer Community
SUBHEAD: 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
HOOKS:
- August is Appendix Cancer Awareness Month. Amber is this rare disease “ribbon” color.
- Local resident is a member of a global community of rare disease survivors beating the odds and living well beyond an appendix cancer diagnosis.
- Interesting Facts about Appendix Cancer:
- Appendix cancer affects one in a million people globally each year.
- Appendix cancer is on the rise, particularly among people under 40.
- Appendix cancer generates a condition called Pseudomyxoma Peritonei, or PMP, a mucin which creates abdominal complications that inhibit a long life.
- Appendix cancer is a rare disease with no cure but has life-extending best practices when diagnosed early and treated appropriately.
- The Standard of Care for APpendix cancer is the MOAS – Mother of All Surgeries – which includes extensive removal of peritoneal organs called Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) coupled with HIPEC, Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy. Other treatments include systemic chemotherapy, immunotherapy, PIPAC.
- HIPEC involved filling the belly cavity with a heated chemotherapy solution and “bathing” the organs for a period of up to 90 minutes.
IMAGES:
L-R: Sheri Doss; Sheri & Harold Doss; Hope the Bear Awards; One in a Million logo; PMP Pals logo; Sheri & Harold with family; more images available upon request
INTERVIEW CANDIDATES:
Sheri & Harold Doss (PMP Pals couple in SATX, race director) Sheri Doss, San Antonio appendix cancer survivor, sheridoss@pmppals.net 210-262-2538
Dr. Armando Sardi, Mercy Hospital, Baltimore, MD (Sheri’s physician)|
Charmaine Skillman, Austin, TX (Pals Treasurer/Event Coordinator, 25-year survivorTara Collins, Little Egg Harbor, NJ (Care partner to husband diagnosed in 2022 with second most aggressive subtype-appendiceal goblet cell adenocarcinoma)
REFLECTIONS FROM PMP PALS WORLDWIDE:
Christine Hill & family (4 generations of Pals in Minnesota)
Lindsay Wolfram (international Pal in Canada)
Adele Jasion, Illinois (Pals President, 14-year survivor)
LINKS OF INTEREST:
PMP Pals https://www.pmppals.net
One in a Million 5K Run Walk registration page: https://solerssports.raceentry.com/races/one-in-a-million-5k-runwalk/2024/register
5K sponsorships: https://solerssports.raceentry.com/races/one-in-a-million-5k-runwalk/2024/sponsor
5K sponsorship tiers: https://i0.wp.com/pmppals.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/OIAM-5K-In-Sponsorships-Graphic.png
5k donations: https://solerssports.raceentry.com/races/one-in-a-million-5k-runwalk/2024/fundraising/charity/charity/pmp-pals-8445
ONE IN A MILLION 5K RACE DETAILS:
Virtual & In-person: September 14, 2024
Lady Bird Johnson Park, 10700 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX 78217
REGISTRATION: 5K and Virtual https://solerssports.raceentry.com/races/one-in-a-million-5k-runwalk/2024/register
PACKET PICKUP:
September 12, 4-7p at La Tea Da, 434 N Loop 1604 W, Ste 1101, San Antonio
RACE DAY:
7:30am Event-day registration & packet pick-up
8:30am Welcome
9:00am Race start
10:00am beginning of awards ceremony and random bib number drawings for door prizes
This is a certified 5K with chipped timing. Results will be posted immediately after the race.
RACE PROFILE:
- 5K Run/Walk is an out-and-back profile.
- Length is approximately 1.5 miles each way.
- A half-mile turnaround is marked for short-course participants. 1-milers are welcome. All participants on course must sign a waiver.
- Bring a friend.
- Strollers allowed.
- Sorry, no pets this year.
- COURSE MAPS: 5K Run/Walk Course
- This is a rain-or-shine event! Remember to dress appropriately for the event!
PMP PALS SOCIAL PLATFORMS:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pmppalsnetwork
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pmp_pals/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pmppalsnetwork/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/PMPPals
Website: www.pmppals.net
ONE IN A MILLION 5K RACE DETAILS:
Virtual & In-person: September 14, 2024
Lady Bird Johnson Park, 10700 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX 78217
REGISTRATION: 5K and Virtual https://solerssports.raceentry.com/races/one-in-a-million-5k-runwalk/2024/register
PACKET PICKUP:
September 12, 4-7p at La Tea Da, 434 N Loop 1604 W, Ste 1101, San Antonio
RACE DAY:
- 7:30am Event-day registration & packet pick-up
- 8:30am Welcome
- 9:00am Race start
- 10:00am beginning of awards ceremony and random bib number drawings for door prizes
- This is a certified 5K with chipped timing. Results will be posted immediately after the race.
RACE PROFILE:
- 5K Run/Walk is an out-and-back profile.
- Length is approximately 1.5 miles each way.
- A half-mile turnaround is marked for short-course participants. 1-milers are welcome. All participants on course must sign a waiver.
- Bring a friend.
- Strollers allowed.
- Sorry, no pets this year.
- COURSE MAPS: 5K Run/Walk Course
- This is a rain-or-shine event! Remember to dress appropriately for the event!
AWARDS:
The One in a Million 5K bestows HOPE; our mascot, Hope the Bear, is the honorary award this year. Created and handcrafted by California resident Linda Abrao, these bears symbolize Hope. We’re excited to hand out over 55 bears as part of our award ceremony on September 14.
Awards for top overall finisher: 1st Place Male and Female
Age Group Awards: 1st Place Male and Female
(Male 15-19, Male 20-29, Male 30-39, Male 40-49, Male 50-59, Male 60+
Female 15-19, Female 20-29, Female 30-39, Female 40-49, Female 50-59, Female 60+)
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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Twice a week, we gather online to talk about appendix cancer. Open to patients, care partners, and support people, HOPE Zoom allows us to ask questions, share our vulnerabilities, and draw on the strength of others to get us through difficult times. We share joys, successes, and NEDs, too! You are welcome to join us according to your schedule. Meetings usually last 1.5-2 hours, but you can leave at any time. Register here for the link valid for Saturdays at 11aET/8aPT and Wednesdays 6pET/3pPT.
This week on HOPE Zoom, we touched on these topics:
- Going on disability and the nuances of SSI and SSDI
- Stage IV Appendix Cancer is not like other Stage IV cancers
- The Shock of Diagnosis and how we cope by consulting Dr. Google or sticking our heads in the sand
- Grasping at whatever we can control or influence
- Remembering we can only control our attitudes and actions
- Accepting feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, allowing the emotional process to unravel
- Having NO need to be Polly Positivity, allowing “Feel the FEELS,”
- Setting aside a time and day without cancer talk
- Acknowledging our internal dialogue “I feel fine. Do I really need to get this surgery?”
- Asking that question and discovering the reasons why you do need to get this surgery: cancer grows, it doesn’t belong there, it crowds out other organs and inhibits normal digestive function, mucin hardens which creates a host of other problems, your health only gets worse-do Inot better, seize the opportunity to get surgery now while you are healthy vs waiting until crisis and frailty
- It’s ok not to be hungry and what might be causing it: stress, body diverting energy to fight off cancer, musin’s internal pressure, So much is being learned about The Brain-Gut Connection
- Remembering to eat your protein!
- The importance of prehabbing and rehabbing, and when to pass the baton to your surgical team
- Yes, you can request to talk to your surgeon before entering the operating room (especially if you haven’t met him in person before)
- Trusting your medical team is there for you after the surgery, too!
- The shortcomings of our respective health systems and feeling left behind
- NEDs and advancing illness
- Anticipation of CRS/HIPEC surgeries
- And a whole lot more!
If you’ve got a question about appendix cancer, PMP, pathology, surgery, and living beyond a rare cancer diagnosis, join us.
Pal Lindsay B. talked with three appendix cancer specialists on the Society of Surgical Oncology’s podcast, SurgOncToday. Moderated by PMP Pals Medical Advisory Board member Dr. Melanie Ongchin of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Lindsay spoke about fertility issues facing women with peritoneal cancer diagnoses. Thrust into an immediate decision-making scenario, on top of dealing with a cancer diagnosis, women need solid information in real time to decide how to preserve their options for future parenthood. Joining the conversation are Dr. Trang Nguyen from Washington University and Dr. Molly Kledzik from WVU.
Thanks Lindsay for being a patient advocate and Pals ambassador, and speaking openly about these issues that face women navigating appendix cancer, its related conditions like PMP, and the rare disease journey.
Each year, the Mike Weber Sr. Memorial Foundation holds its annual fundraiser at White Beeches Golf & Country Club in Haworth, NJ. Family members honor the legacy of Mike Sr., an appendix cancer survivor whose legendary impact on his local community lives on in larger-than-life ways. The foundation bearing his name, led by his wife and three children, continues to influence the rare disease space. This year, board members Dave L., Pals Lindsay Barad, and father Jim joined board member Mike Weber Jr. in raising awareness of appendix cancer and inspiring generosity in honor of Mike Sr.
“It’s an amazing event,” notes Dave L. “A true honor to a great man whose amazing legacy continues in his family and their tireless dedication to save others from this deadly disease.
I hope it continues as it has become a highlight of my summer. I played well, one away from shooting PAR, on an immaculate course, with great people. Thanks, Mike, your family, and the army of volunteers. It was a very good day, indeed!”
Over 250 people attended the golf tournament and contributed over $35,000 towards various patient and care partner groups. For more information on the Mike Weber Sr. Memorial Foundation, visit www.goteamweber.com.
Several Pals are very public with their illness, choosing to share their wellness journey online via YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Caring Bridge. All share the hope of helping a fellow appendix cancer survivor navigate the surprises of this diagnosis, along with insider perspectives for treatment and daily living. You can find Pals like Jamie V., Lindsay B., Roberta G., and Ariel M. through their social platforms.
Paul in Perth (aka Paul E. from Australia) has a Youtube channel on which he’s become something of a virtual celebrity. With over 24,000 followers worldwide, Paul chronicles his appendix cancer/PMP journey through the highs and lows. He recently shared his efforts to “wrangle his affairs” by organizing paperwork into binders and explaining his system with family ahead of time. He’s got a really sold way of explaining processes and the how’s and why’s; he’s also always looking for solutions and answers to pass along to others. Be sure to give his videos the “Thumbs Up” to help them with passive income, Like/Follow his YouTube Channel to increase their visibility as social influencers, and comment to let him know you’re listening.
*PLEASE NOTE: The views and comments shared by Pals on their own communications channels are their own opinions and perspectives. Their comments do not necessarily reflect those held by PMP Pals.
Pals Living Life: Patient Advocate Lindsay B. Talks Fertility on SurgOncToday Podcast