Latest Update: September 14, 2023
PMP Pals is committed to bringing together patients and caregivers worldwide to connect, learn, and explore life beyond an appendix cancer diagnosis. This year, we’re co-hosting “The Power of Hope: Fighting Cancer and Celebrating Survival” wellness symposium with Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin Regional Cancer Therapy Program. on Saturday, October 28.
HOTEL: The Drury Hotel Plaza, 700 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202 A discounted room rate of $149/night is offered on limited availability now through September 26. Book early to guarantee your room rate.
MEET-UP’23 ACTIVITY LOCATIONS: The Drury Plaza Hotel, downtown Milwaukee
WELLNESS PRESENTATION LOCATION: Boerner Botanical Gardens, 9400 Boerner Dr., Hales Corners, WI 53130
MEET-UP’23 & WELLNESS SYMPOSIUM REGISTRATION: Please register here.
Friday, October 27, 2023
- 5:30p-7p Informal Pals gathering at The Drury Plaza Hotel’s 5:30 Kickback
Saturday, October 28, 2023
- 7a-10a Free hot breakfast at The Drury Plaza Hotel
- 9:15a-3p “The Power of Hope: Fighting Cancer and Celebrating Survival” Wellness Symposium co-hosted with Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin Regional Cancer Therapy Program at Boerner Botanical Gardens, 9400 Boerner Dr, Hales Corners, WI 53130
- 9:15a Morning Meditation and Breathwork with Ariel Mierendorf
- 10a Welcome & Introductions to PMP Pals and Froedtert/Medical College of Wisconsin
- 10:20a-Noon Medical Updates from the Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin Regional Cancer Therapy Team
Froedtert’s team will provide the latest updates from the PSOGI Congress 2023 in Venice,, highlight the state of ongoing clinical trials, and talk about the promising advances in immunotherapy.
Ugwuji N. Maduekwe, MD, MMSc, MPH, FACS, FSSO | Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin
Anai N. Kothari, MD, MS | Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin
Alexandra C. Istl, MD, MPH, FRCSC | Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin
Noon-12:30p Buffet lunch
12:30p-1:20p Surgical Alterations of the Gastrointestinal Tract: Nutrition Management and Support
Julie Lois, CNSC, certified nutrition support dietitian will teach you how to navigate new and ongoing challenges. She will also help you discover new ways to implement safe and nutrient-dense foods into your diet. She will also discuss:
- The role of the registered dietician on your surgical team and why nutrition is important pre- and post-op
- Common nutrition-related complications in the acute and long-term post-gastrointestinal surgical periods such as weight loss, early satiety, and diarrhea
- Common sites of gastrointestinal surgical resections for this patient population such as gastrectomy and small-bowel resections; nutrition-related complications most often seen; and the management and support of these concerns such as dumping syndrome, vitamin/mineral absorption concerns, and nutrition management of ostomies
1:20p-2:30p The Challenges of Coping with Cancer and Treatment: What’s Hard and What Helps
Froedtert cancer psychologist, Karen E. Kersting, PhD will describe some of the common emotional and social challenges faced by cancer patients, and how she helps her patients find a peaceful path forward using mindfulness, connection, and even a little humor. Opportunity for questions at the end of the session.
2:30p-3p PMP Pals’ Resilient Resources
PMP Pals presents resources and tools to inspire the emotional resilience needed to go the distance with a rare disease. Several Pals’ patients and caregivers share their stories, insights, and tips for living well beyond diagnosis.
6p Pals Meet-Up’23 Evening Reception at The Drury Plaza Hotel
The evening event brings together Pals in a casual setting at the hotel; here we will hear from Pals leadership team and inspirational sharing from our ranks. Heavy hors d’oeuvres to be served and a cash bar available as you get to know your Pals.
Sunday, October 28, 2023
- 7a-10a Free hot breakfast at The Drury Plaza Hotel
- TBD Pals’ Milwaukee Walkabout
WHY MILWAUKEE? Why not Milwaukee? We’re making the Meet-Up more accessible to Pals geographically by mixing it up this year. What better way than to go smack-dab in the middle of the country, close to Chicago O’Hare or Milwaukee Mitchell International airports? We hope this central locale and easy flight from most parts of Northern America will inspire you to join us. We also have a fantastic medical partnership this year with Froedtert, which is based in Milwaukee.
WHY FROEDTERT? Froedtert has long been a player in CRS/HIPEC treatment. In fact, they were one of the first to offer this option to patients with PMP. Their medical staff brings knowledge, experience, and insight to this year’s program. Pals is committed to bringing you diverse voices and expertise from the medical field so you can learn more about other hospitals, professionals, treatments, and options.
MEET-UP’23 SPONSORS:
