Catherine Bouvier
RGN NET Nurse Specialist,
Director, NET Patient Foundation, U.K.
Cathy writes, "I can hardly believe that we have managed to grow the Foundation to where it is today, but also how much work there is still to do.
I have always felt very strongly about ensuring that whatever the charity did, the ultimate benefit would be to the patients and their families.
It is my 13th year working within this cancer field and I have seen many changes, but none so exciting as the enthusiasm and commitment of my colleagues in medical, nursing and advocacy teams. There is more money being spent, more research being done, more NET centres evolving, collaboration and communication improvements.
However this is only the beginning and there is still such ignorance surrounding this disease area. The World NET Alliance and all the advocacy groups I am aware of are tirelessly trying to change this.
Some of the biggest challenges are here in the UK, where we have funding issues within research for rarer cancers and treatments.
I would like to say a huge thank you to all have supported us, our sponsors and the fabulous patients, families and friends who have fundraised over the last 6 years.
I hope that we can continue to thrust neuroendocrine cancer into the public arena, and get all patients and families the support, treatments and access to expertise that they deserve."