MAUREEN COLEMAN AWARD RECIPIENTS
The late Maureen Coleman was the Founder and Past-President of CNETS who passed away in 2013 from neuroendocrine cancer.
Maureen was a remarkable woman with great vision, passion and compassion and she made a significant contribution to the NET patient community.
In her honour, CNETS established the Maureen Coleman award. This Award is to recognize exemplary dedication to the NET patient community and is open to Canadians whose work or dedication has had a significant impact on the NET cancer community, in line with the Mission and Vision of CNETS.
2021
Lyn Gaetz
Lyn Gaetz, a neuroendocrine cancer patient and a phenomenal patient advocate, made a tremendous contribution to CNETS and the Canadian NET cancer patient community throughout her journey with neuroendocrine cancer. Lyn was a retired school principal who had a great deal of board experience, having previously chaired the board of directors of a non-profit organization. Lyn joined the CNETS board of directors in January of 2019, was appointed Secretary in December 2019, and subsequently appointed Vice-President in November 2020. She was active in all aspects of CNETS including awareness, advocacy, patient education, and fundraising.
Lyn was a straight shooter but always able to bring others into the fold in a warm and welcoming way. She eased into her board role with CNETS and quickly became a valued, reliable member of the board, advisor, and a caring friend. Many will remember Lyn from her inspiring talk at the CNETS 2019 Patient Conference. Lyn was also a strong patient advocate outside of the neuroendocrine cancer space, sharing her knowledge, experience and common-sense observations among many medical-related forums.
Lyn resigned from the CNETS board earlier this year due to her failing health and very sadly passed away in September. Lyn was a generous volunteer and an incredible advocate for the neuroendocrine community, never afraid to speak up and share her experiences for the benefit of the broader patient population.
Lyn made an immeasurable contribution to our cause and beyond during her two-year tenure on our board of directors. Lyn was a very strong, compassionate, and knowledgeable advocate and an inspiration to anyone she met. Lyn is greatly missed by the NET cancer community, and it is our honour to posthumously present Lyn Gaetz with the 2021 Maureen Coleman Award.[/fusion_text]
Dr. Simron Singh
Dr. Simron Singh is an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto, the Provincial Head, Person-Centered Care, Cancer Care Ontario, and a Medical Oncologist at Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Center/Susan Leslie Clinic for Neuroendocrine Cancers.
Dr. Singh embodies the spirit and passion of the Maureen Coleman Award, devoting his entire career to improving the lives of NET patients and bringing global attention to NETs as a disease that matters. His expertise in health services research and quality improvement has been instrumental in not only improving access to clinical trials, but to use patient-reported data to improve the lives of patients today.
Dr. Singh published one of the first global studies in collaboration with patient stakeholders (INCA) on the Patient-Reported Burden of a Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET) Diagnosis. Within this survey, it was identified that diagnosis delays, multiple provider visits, and an unmanaged symptom burden plagued the NET patient experience, and he has since worked tirelessly with CNETS and multiple other stakeholders to improve this. He has been a big advocate of ensuring NET patients are seen by NET experts in Centres of Excellence and has contributed to several guidelines on NET patient management. Locally he has led learning opportunities for community care providers on when and how to refer NET patients to specialty centres, as well provided education on managing NET patients to provide shared care closer to home.
Dr. Singh has worked nationally and internationally to improve access to treatments for NETs, but also to improve the way in which we engage patients to ensure alignment of goals. For example, he led the development of the CommNETs/NANETS guidelines for the diagnosis and management of patients with Lung Neuroendocrine Tumors which brought together three different NET societies and included patient advocates to co-create best practice guidelines for this vulnerable patient group. Dr. Singh also co-chaired the Neuroendocrine Advisory Committee at Cancer Care Ontario to engage patients, NET treaters and government stakeholders to provide access to novel treatments like PRRT and Gallium 68 scans in Ontario.
Dr. Singh is passionate about understanding and improving the NET patient experience, through his commitment to NET clinical research, and his collaboration with key NET patient stakeholders to move the pendulum forward in terms of access to novel treatments.
It is our honour to recognize Dr. Singh’s incredible contribution to our community and present him with the well-deserved 2021 Maureen Coleman Award.
2020
Sharon Needham
Sharon Needham has made an incredible contribution to the Canadian neuroendocrine patient community through her work as a NET patient advocate, an awareness raiser and a fundraiser.
In 2015, Sharon was diagnosed with Lung NET cancer. Although the diagnosis came as a shock, it explained why she had been so ill for over seven years and it was a relief to finally have answers.
Sharon contacted CNETS and was immediately grateful to be able to connect with others who understood her illness, she no longer felt alone. Sharon attended a patient education day in London, Ontario where she met several NET cancer specialists. Sharon credits CNETS for leading her to a better outcome for her Lung NET cancer through education and support.
Sharon has also connected with other NET cancer patients through a closed CNETS support group and has become a huge advocate for proper care and treatment for NET cancer patients in Canada. Sharon has shared her story at conferences and through the press and media and has become a champion for NET cancer awareness, which she sees as critical to ensuring better outcomes for NET patients. Sharon wears her heart on her sleeve, her story is touching, she was even able to share it on CTV news!
Sharon’s story on CTV news (starts at the 18 min mark).
Sharon’s passion to promote NET cancer awareness, has transcended into incredible fundraising efforts in support of NET cancer research in Canada. Sharon joined the CNETS fundraising committee where she helped create the Hoofing It Fundraiser. Sharon took the initiative to motivate people within her network to get active, fundraise and rack up kms towards the Hoofing It challenge. Not only was Sharon the top individual fundraiser, her team, “Sharon’s Angels” was also the top fundraising team! Sharon has also been a strong participant and fundraiser in past Scotiabank Marathon events.
Sharon lives in Nova Scotia, and makes an immeasurable contribution to the NET community across Canada. Sharon is an individual that is positive, full of energy and truly embodies the passion and dedication of Maureen Coleman and it is our honour to present Sharon with the 2020 Maureen Coleman Award.
Dr. Daniel Rayson
Dr. Daniel Rayson is a medical oncologist and professor of Medicine at Dalhousie University as well as Division Chief of Medical Oncology at the QEII Health Sciences Centre. He is past Director of the Atlantic Clinical Cancer Research Unit (ACCRU), a Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute (BHCRI), senior scientist and former principle investigator and steering committee member with the Canadian Cancer Clinical Trial Network (CCCTN), as well as having served as the Halifax Centre Representative at the National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC).
Dr. Rayson fits the criteria for the Maureen Coleman award as a result of the unmatchable effort he makes to ensure that every NET cancer patient receives optimal care and follow-up. Dr. Rayson is known for his outstanding work in enhancing multidisciplinary care for NET patients in Nova Scotia by developing collaborative relationships with radiologists, pathologists, endocrinologist, and nuclear medicine doctors. In 2013, Dr. Rayson developed a NET multidisciplinary tumor board, which he continues to chair.
Dr. Rayson’s training of oncology residents in NET care has resulted in the expansion of NET clinical resources throughout Atlantic Canada. Now, patients in smaller cities such as Charlottetown, Moncton, Fredericton, St. John and St. John’s have access to local expertise. Thanks to his efforts, the Halifax NET team now provides NET clinical guidance and consultation for patients and oncologists throughout Atlantic Canada. Furthermore, every year Dr. Rayson delivers well-received lectures for CNETS patient education conferences and several medical education lectures across Canada. Dr. Rayson supports NET research initiatives, which further enhances the role of Halifax as a center of NET expertise.
Iraj Fooladi, a NET patient of Dr. Rayson simply describes him as an angel!. He met Dr. Rayson in January 2005, after an emergency partial gastrostomy in December 2004 in Europe that identified a 3.5-centimeter malignant carcinoid tumor. The doctors in the London hospital informed him that the cancer had already metastasized. When Iraj met Dr. Rayson, he was absolutely terrified, hopeless and sad. On the first meeting, Dr. Rayson diminished his concerns significantly by explaining the nature of the cancer and assured him that he would do everything in his power to help. Dr. Rayson never waivered from his promise, whether it meant fighting to have more tests done or lobbying to see doctors worldwide for 2nd opinions. Iraj has remained under Dr. Rayson’s care for 16 years.
Dr. Rayson’s leadership in development and implementation of the Halifax PRRT program made Nova Scotia the first province in Canada to approve Lutathera for public funding. Eastern Canadian NET Patients are now able to receive PRRT treatment close to home instead of having to travel across Canada.
Dr. Rayson’s dedication, calm guidance and true caring approach to NET patient care is widely appreciated by the Canadian neuroendocrine cancer community. It is our honour to recognize Dr. Rayon’s incredible contribution to our community and present him with the well-deserved 2020 Maureen Coleman Award.
2019
Vanessa Mann
Vanessa Mann is the Hamilton/Halton/Niagara/Waterloo area Support Group Leader who has made an incredible contribution to the neuroendocrine patient community through her work as a SGL, a patient advocate, an awareness raiser and a fundraiser.
Vanessa was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) in 2007. In 2008, she joined the Hamilton Support Group and became involved with CNETS Canada and the NETs community. There she met Barb Bell and Lorraine Duffy, who were instrumental in influencing Vanessa to become more involved with the Hamilton Support Group. Vanessa actively volunteered with the Support Group for many years before formally becoming the Support Group Leader in 2014.
Vanessa is well loved by NET patients in her community and beyond and is well known as a kind and compassionate person. Vanessa always makes herself available to support her fellow NET patients, to listen to individual stories and provide as much advice and information as she can. She spends countless hours researching NETs and shares her findings at patient support group meetings that she facilitates and on our Canadian facebook support forum. Whenever there is something new in the NETs field, Vanessa is on top of it! Vanessa endeavours to help everyone by sharing the right amount of information at the right time, eases their minds and help them better understand this complicated disease. She empowers patients feel better about themselves, their NETs diagnosis and most of all she gives people HOPE !
In addition to Vanessa’s work as a Support Group Leader, Vanessa has raised over $8,000 in support of NET cancer research through several self-organized events including her 2011, 2012 and 2019 “Hikes for Help”, 2013 “Canoe-A-Thon” and 2018 “Let’s Talk About It” online Facebook fundraiser.
Vanessa sat on the 2019 CNETS Canada Fundraising Toolkit Committee where, together with other NET patients and supporters, she helped compose a fundraising guide designed to assist others develop and execute their own fundraising events.
Currently, Vanessa is currently exploring a volunteer patient advisory partner role at London Health Sciences. With her strong knowledge of NETs and as a cancer survivor, she will be a great asset to any patient advisory committee.
Vanessa has and always will continue to be a very strong, compassionate and knowledgeable advocate for the NETs community. Lucy Kuzma, a fellow NET patient says “Vanessa is a true inspiration to everyone she meets. Her endless contributions, wholehearted dedication and passion for the CNETs community is truly remarkable!”
Vanessa , together with the support of her husband Craig, and her loving and beautiful 15 year old twins, Alexa and Evan, has made an immeasurable contribution to the NET community, she embodies the spirit and dedication of Maureen Coleman and it is our honour to present Vanessa with the 2019 Maureen Coleman Award .
Dr. Calvin Law
Dr. Calvin Law is a surgical oncologist at the Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Dr. Law’s clinical practice is devoted to hepato-biliary, pancreatic, and gastrointestinal malignancies and he has a sub-specialized practice in neuroendocrine tumors. As the co-founder of the Susan Leslie Multidisciplinary Neuroendocrine Tumours Clinic, Dr. Law is actively engaged in the treatment of patients with neuroendocrine tumours.
Dr. Law has served in numerous leadership roles, and currently is the Chief of the Odette Cancer Centre and Regional Vice President for Cancer Care Ontario.
Dr. Law fits the criteria for the Maureen Coleman award as a result of his incredible work in patient care and outcomes. He has brought hope to countless patients where there was none. Dr. Law is well known for his hands-on, caring and compassionate approach and in partnership with his NET colleagues he goes above and beyond to ensure NET patients at the Susan Leslie Multidisciplinary clinic receive the best care possible.
Lisa Dawn Collins, a NET patient of Dr. Law, shared that after being told there was nothing to be done for her neuroendocrine cancer in her province she asked for a referral to Dr. Law. Dr. Law agreed to take her case and operate on her. He facilitated her out of province surgery, keeping Lisa up to date from a distance throughout the planning stages and he ultimately spent nine and a half hours operating on Lisa. “Dr. Law was determined to get the tumour even when it meant taking out my pancreas. After all that time in the OR Dr. Law took the time to sit with my husband and sister to explain what had taken place during surgery” says Lisa. Dr. Law once again took a hands-on approach to Lisa’s post-operative care, which was complicated by the fact that she was not eligible for home care in her province or in Ontario. “Dr. Law visited me personally many times during my recovery and it was on one of those visits that he that he told us he had gotten clear margins. Had I not obtained a referral to Dr. Law I would not be here today” says Lisa.
In addition to being a hands-on physician, Dr. Law has given countless hours over many years to the NET patient community through CNETS Canada sponsored patient education events. He delivers complex NET surgical related education in a down-to-earth and simple manner with a humours twist. He always manages to get a chuckle out of his audience. Dr. Law makes himself available at these events to field patient questions, always providing sound and calm guidance.
Dr. Law’s dedication, humble spirit and true caring approach to patient care is widely appreciated by the Canadian neuroendocrine community. It is our honour to recognize Dr. Law’s incredible contribution to our community and present him with the well-deserved 2019 Maureen Coleman Award.
2018
Marie-Anne Risdon
Marie-Anne Risdon incarne l’esprit, la passion et le dévouement du prix Maureen Coleman.
Après son propre diagnostic, Marie-Anne reconnaît que la STCNE du Canada a fait une grande différence dans la recherche d’information et le soutien qui ont changé le cours de sa vie. Presque immédiatement, alors que Marie-Anne se rendait compte de l’impact de la STCNE du Canada, elle a elle-même fait un effort pour contribuer de plusieurs façons afin d’aider à ce que d’autres personnes ressentent ce même impact. Marie-Anne est l’une des membres les plus actives du groupe de soutien de la STCNE du Canada de Montréal. La différence que la STCNE du Canada a fait pour Marie-Anne l’a motivée à être un membre contributeur clé, en faisant beaucoup de choses en coulisses pour aider le groupe.
Cette année, Marie-Anne a pris en charge l’organisation de la première journée francophone d’éducation aux patients, qui a eu lieu en avril 2018. Les efforts et le dévouement nécessaires à la réalisation de cet événement était incroyable, mais Marie-Anne n’a pas eu peur du défi. Elle était motivée car elle connaissait l’impact que l’événement aurait sur les patients francophones. La promotion de l’événement, souvent en allant en personne dans différents centres de cancer, a fait une différence significative dans la sensibilisation aux TNE et à la STCNE du Canada.
Près de 100 patients et de proches aidants ont assisté à la journée francophone d’éducation aux patients. La journée en elle-même s’est passée avec professionnalisme et bienveillance – la combinaison parfaite. Dès le mot d’ouverture, Marie-Anne a bien indiqué que la STCNE du Canada était l’endroit où trouver de l’information, du soutien et de l’espoir dans la bataille contre les TNE.
Le succès de la journée francophone d’éducation aux patients a motivé Marie-Anne à continuer à sensibiliser la population sur la STCNE du Canada. La fin de semaine suivante, Marie-Anne participait au défi caritatif de la banque Scotia, en aidant l’équipe Zèbre de Montréal à récolter plus de 5000$ pour la recherche sur le cancer TNE au Canada. Marie-Anne a relevé le défi physique d’une marche de 5km – elle l’a fait avec sa canne, son sourire et son rire !
Marie-Anne continue également à prendre soin et soutenir d’autres patients TNE. La bienveillance, l’espoir et le soutien que Marie-Anne démontre aux autres patients viennent du même esprit qui la motive à faire tout ce qu’elle peut pour la communauté TNE. Championne de la communauté TNE, Marie-Anne a déjà commencé à planifier un plus grand événement pour la journée francophone d’éducation aux patients TNE en 2019 !
2018
Marie-Anne Risdon
Marie-Anne Risdon embodies the spirit, passion, dedication of the Maureen Coleman Award.
After her own diagnosis, Marie-Anne credits CNETS Canada with making a difference in providing information and support that changed the course of her life. Almost immediately, as Marie-Anne felt the impact of CNETS Canada, she made an effort to contribute in any way possible to help others feel the same impact. Marie-Anne is one of most active members of the Montreal CNETS Canada Support Group. The difference CNETS Canada made for Marie-Anne motivated her to be a key contributing member, doing many things behind the scenes to help the group.
This year, Marie-Anne took on the task of organizing a the First French NET Patient Education Day, held in April 2018. The effort and commitment that was required to pull off this event was incredible, but Marie-Anne did not shy away from the challenge. She was motivated by knowing the impact the event would have on so many French speaking NET patients. The promotion of the event, often going in-person to individual cancer centres, made a significant difference in raising awareness of NETs and CNETS Canada.
Almost 100 patients and caregivers attended the French NET Patient Education Day. The day itself was executed with professionalism and caring – the perfect combination. From her opening words, Marie-Anne made it clear that CNETS Canada was a place to find education, support and hope in the battle against NETs.
The success of the French Patient Education Day motivated Marie-Anne to continue to raise awareness of CNETS Canada. The following weekend, Marie-Anne participated in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, helping Team Zebra Montreal raise over 5K for NET cancer research in Canada. Marie-Anne overcame the physical challenge of walking 5k – she did it with her cane, her smile, and her laugh!
Marie-Anne also continues to care for and support other NET patients. The caring, hope, and support Marie-Anne shows other patients comes from that same spirit that motivates her to do whatever she can for the NET community. A champion for the NET community, Marie-Anne has already started the planning for an even bigger French NET Patient Education Day in 2019!
2017
Daniel Opoku
Daniel Opoku is a NET patient and dedicated volunteer with CNETS Canada who has had a tremendous impact on the NET community. Daniel has never turned down an opportunity to share his skills and knowledge with an open, caring and supportive approach.
One of Daniel’s most outstanding characteristics is his friendly, considerate and generous nature, which allows him to excel in role as Montreal Support Group Leader. Daniel saw the need for a NET Support Group in Montreal and became one of the founding members of the group, which now meets bi-monthly, where Daniel and others have taken on the role of Support Group Leaders.
Daniel has organized and moderated patient education sessions/webinars such as the PRRT session with Dr. Francois-Alexandre Buteau and Zebra Chat featuring Sonya Carrie – a NET patient and liver transplant recipient. Daniel also took on several volunteer responsibilities at the recent CNETS Canada Patient & Caregiver conference in Toronto, Ontario.
Daniel is a prolific attendee of meetings and events where he can challenge himself both mentally and physically. Events such as ‘Wings for Life World Run’, ‘Athletes for Cancer’, Epic Experience and First Descents’. These give Daniel “a boost to thrive not just survive”.
Dr. Eric Turcotte
Dr. Eric Turcotte is the Principal Investigator for Phase II Study to Measure the Safety of 68 Ga-DOTA-TATE PET/CT (Gallium 68) in the Diagnosis of Tumors Expressing Somatostatin Receptors, Dr. Turcotte has dedicated a tremendous amount of time and effort to bringing this diagnostic to the Canadian NET patient population and has proved himself to be a champion for our community. Under Dr. Turcotte’s leadership his Centre in Sherbrooke, Quebec was the first in Canada to offer Gallium 68 imaging for NET patients and remains the only centre accepting patients from across the country for the imaging, independent of treatment.
Dr. Turcotte has worked closely and tirelessly with his nuclear medicine colleagues, CNETS Canada and the Canadian NET patient community to bring this state-of-the-art imaging tool to all NET patients. He has collaborated with CNETS Canada to attempt to secure funding for the Gallium 68 from all provincial and territorial heath authorities across Canada, which continues to be a work in progress.
The Gallium 68 scan is critical to the NET patient population because it provides the patient and the patient’s medical team with a clear and comprehensive high-resolution set of images.
2016
Sherry O’Grady Fox
Sherry O’Grady Fox embodies the spirit of the Maureen Coleman award, providing tireless, passionate, caring, and personal empathy to so many NET patients – It’s her nature and it’s how she supports the NET community. Her contribution to our community has been phenomenal and Sherry is more than deserving of this award.
Sherry is a patient herself and was diagnosed with NET Cancer in 2006. She had surgery to remove the primary cancer which was successful but there were numerous inoperable metastasized tumours in her liver.
Sherry and her husband Fred Fox are the Ottawa, Ontario CNETS Canada Support Group Leaders. They were introduced to the group in 2007 and although Sherry was keenly curious to meet others with her type of rare cancer, Fred was skeptical of support groups. However, he went along to support Sherry. Ever since then, they have been ardent support group enthusiasts and regular attendees at all CNETS Canada meetings and conferences.
Sherry found it comforting to meet and speak with others who shared a commonality and NET language and agreed to fill the role when the existing leader stepped down to ensure a continuation of support for her fellow patients. The Ottawa Support Group provides pertinent information and support for newly diagnosed and long term survivors, their families and friends. Sherry has demonstrated tremendous commitment to the NET community and makes herself available to them one-on-one over the phone or in person, and in the group setting. Sherry also sends out whatever information she can find to help NET patients with our various health issues. Today, the Ottawa Support Group is over 30 members strong. Sherry also hosted NET patients from Montreal and was a valuable role model and mentor until they were able to form their own group. If you need a hug, Sherry always has one for you. Her gentle soft-spoken ways are reassuring and comforting to those new to the group and also those who have been there for many years.
Sherry also works tirelessly to raise NET cancer awareness and funds for CNETS Canada. Through the Annual Zebra Picnic, the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, or Church Fundraisers – Sherry goes above and beyond and is a true champion for our cause.
Natalie Mezey
Natalie Mezey, another individual who embodies the passion and commitment of Maureen Coleman and an incredible advocate for our cause, has dedicated a tremendous portion of her time to the NET cancer cause and to CNETS Canada. Her passion began in 2008 several years after her mother, Justyna was diagnosed with NET cancer. Natalie supported her mother throughout her long battle with cancer.
Justyna tragically passed away from NET cancer in 2010; it was at this time that Natalie and her husband Bryde were introduced to Sherry Fox, the Ottawa Support Group Leader. After meeting other NET patients and survivors, Natalie looked for opportunities to support the NET cancer community. Demonstrating true passion, with the help of her friends, she began using two platforms to raise awareness and funds for NET cancer research and CNETS Canada: the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend as well as Ottawa‘s “Great Glebe Garage Sale”. Natalie tirelessly recruits runners, bakers and artists to assist her in raising funds. Every year they use these events to educate neighbours, friends and others about NET cancer.
In 2013, Natalie’s husband Bryde, was also diagnosed with a rare type of NET tumour, a Pheochromocytoma on his left kidney. Because of Natalie’s extensive (and unfortunate) experience as a caregiver, she has made his journey bearable. With Natalie’s help, Bryde’s rehab time from his surgery was shortened in half by her constant care and love.
In 2015, Natalie captained Team Zebra Ottawa, raising awareness and funds for NET cancer during the Ottawa Race Weekend. Under Natalie’s leadership, the Team Zebra was incredibly successful in fundraising, and also winning the $5,000 award for highest average dollar raised per fundraising runner. This was a huge accomplishment for a small team with no corporate donors. Natalie encouraged team members to wear zebra prints and NET-statistics on their shirts in order to create awareness to those at the race about NET cancer.
Despite managing a busy life Natalie remains committed to raising awareness and funds for prevention, diagnosis, and treatments for NET cancer, as well as helping those who have been diagnosed currently in the community. She is passionate about creating a world where NET cancer does not take a life.
2015
Pierrette Breton
Pierrette, is a NET Cancer patient and a successful Canadian businesswoman who served on the CNETS Canada Board of Directors from 2010 to 2014, during which time she made a tremendous contribution to the organization and the NET patient community.
Pierrette is a member of the Ottawa support network and has been a valuable friend, resource, and supporter of that local patient community for many years.
She organized CNETS Canada’s last national Conference in Ottawa in 2012 that was nothing short of a miracle under the circumstances yet she pulled it off with professionalism and eloquence and it was a major success!
Pierrette’s most recent contribution to CNETS Canada was reviving our organizational newsletter. She coordinated the layout and content for this initiative.
Pierrette also served as the Canadian and CNETS Canada representative on the International Neuroendocrine Cancer Alliance (INCA) formerly known as WNCAD beginning in March 2011.
When Pierrette joined WNCAD as CNETS Canada’s representative she was elected to membership on WNCAD’s Executive Committee. She served as Secretary/Treasurer and also took on an additional leadership role as Chairperson of the annual Summit Committee/Membership Council Meeting, leading the committee to create and arrange meetings in 2012 in Copenhagen, 2013 in Barcelona, and 2014 in Italy. She served on INCA’s Board of Directors in 2013.
Grace Goldstein, the first President of INCA, shared the following “Pierrette was truly a leader in both WNCAD, the informal organization of NET patient and patient advocacy groups, and INCA, the formal organization. She brought to the organization an amazing combination of skills, expertise, and experience as a businesswoman, as a person who had volunteer experience with a nonprofit organization, a woman who knows the NET community, and a woman who understands completely the nuances, challenges, and joys of working internationally. We all turned to her for her incredible ability to focus on a project and how to get it done, to be an integral part of steering a fledgling global organization, and for her friendship. We are so happy for her and proud of her for being chosen for this year’s Maureen Coleman Award. Dear Maureen would be smiling knowing that Pierrette is receiving this honor. Congratulations, Pierrette, from all of your friends and colleagues at INCA.”
As we can see, Pierrette’s contribution and reach has been national and international and she has been a true champion for raising awareness of neuroendocrine cancer and more than worthy of the Maureen Coleman Award.
Maureen mentioned many times how proud she was of Pierrette’s work on behalf of the organization and we know she would be extremely proud of the accomplishments she has gone on to achieve.
On behalf of the Canadian NET patient community and CNETS Canada, Jackie Herman, CNETS Canada President was honoured to present Pierrette Breton with the second annual Maureen Coleman award.
2014
Dr. Shereen Ezzat
Dr. Shereen Ezzat was presented with the first award presented in honour of CNETS Canada’s founder, the late Maureen Coleman.
Dr. Shereen Ezzat, is a world renowned endocrine oncologist from the University Health Network’s Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. He is a huge advocate for NET Cancer patients around diagnosis and treatments and research being done in this area. He emphasizes the need for early detection and diagnosis in ensuring the most favourable outcome for NET patients. Because the symptoms for the disease are so non-specific, it is very important for doctors to be well educated about NETs in order to get patients to an oncologist as quickly as possible.
Dr. Ezzat was presented with the first award presented in honour of CNETS Canada’s founder, the late Maureen Coleman.