I just returned from Baltimore. Was a great trip. I met several appendix cancer survivors, some of a year or less, others longer term survivors.
Sunday was the day of the walk, and I was SO inspired. I don’t know the exact numbers yet, but I think 800-900 attended. The walk was SO well done. It’s a beautiful walk in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The walk offered DJ assisted dancing before and after the walk, an exercise coach led before-walk warm up exercises, there was plenty of bottled water and snacks for the walkers, and an opening talk by Dr. Sardi . I was called to the stage by him and had handed a microphone. Had to do an impromptu short speech! Caught me off-gaurd, but I was glad to do it! I had a booth for the Appendix Cancer Connection, and the PMP Research Foundation and PMP Pals were represented at the walk also.
Here are some pictures!
Registration before the walk….lots of people!
Pre-walk warm up exercises!
Dr. Armando Sardi welcomes the crowd.
Post walk dancing complete with DJ!!
B&W photo of me and Dr. Sardi!
The walk was terrific! I hope you are able to come next year….like me, you will be inspired!
I don't know if this is the right place to post this, but here goes nothing.
I'm getting interviewed by the CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley this week. They're doing a story on the HIPEC treatment here in San Diego. The interview is taking place on thursday, so if there's anybody who has anything I should say/pass along to the entire country, let me know.
I know 1 person can't represent everybody, but I feel like I should at least try. It's an awfully difficult surgery, but compared to death, it's not so bad eh?
So yes, please, reply here (if that's ok!) and let me know how I can best represent what people have to say about it. Thanks!
-jon
And I know not everybody is blessed with beating their cancer (appendix or not), so I also want to be sensitive to the fact that it's NOT always successful. Thanks!
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Jon,
I work with the PMP Research Foundation, and we have engaged a public relations professional to respond to some of the negative press regarding HIPEC that seems to be in the news right now. She asked me to get in touch and let you know that we have some thoughts on how to respond (and also find out how CBS found you, how the story came together, etc.). If you are comfortable sharing please send a message on how we can get in touch with you to info@pmpcure.org.
Thanks!
Karolyn Lewandowski
How was it? I am praying for a successful and clear results with no additional damage at all. I am so inspired in sharing your story to other patient as well. I hope you can update us and share more of your updates. Thanks a lot!