There seemed to be a renewed sense of community, of people connecting and meeting. These were things we hoped would happen by attending in person. People commented it was uplifting and inspiring, and even FUN - something not easy to do at a cancer conference!
— Giovanna Imbesi, LACNETS Executive Director
On Saturday, June 8th, the Los Angeles Carcinoid Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (LACNETS) presented the 2019 Annual Los Angeles Neuroendocrine Tumor Patient Education Conference in coordination with Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, City of Hope, and UCLA Health at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Each participant was given a tote bag, printed with the LACNETS motto, “Connect, Learn, Thrive.”
People had opportunities to mingle and connect with others. Prior to arriving at the conference, first time attendees were welcomed by peer mentors from the NETCONNECT team. Lunchtime roundtable discussions offered opportunities to ask NET experts questions in an intimate, informal setting.
Photo: NETCONNECT Team
The theme of the conference was “More Options, Better Decisions.” Presentations from NET experts describing the latest advances in NET including surgical options, liver-directed therapies, and PRRT offered hopeful treatment options.
We laughed and we cried. Andie Bolt, a comedian, emcee, and daughter of a NET patient, kept the audience laughing. The surprise tribute and presentation of the Cedars-Sinai Patient Leadership Award to LACNETS Executive Director Giovanna Imbesi moved many of us to tears.
Photo: Andie Bolt & Terry Bolt
While the 2019 Annual Los Angeles Neuroendocrine Tumor Patient Education Conference may be over, our mission is not. We invite you to continue to connect, learn, and thrive along with us.
WATCH videos from the conference on our LACNETS YouTube Channel.
LEARN MORE about radiation safety, nuclear medicine imaging (i.e. Gallium68 scans) and treatment (PRRT) at the annual SNMMI Patient Education Day. Hear from world-renowned experts such as Dr. Richard Baum from Bad Berka Germany, Dr. George Fisher from Stanford, Dr. Erik Mittra from Oregon Health & Science University, and Administrative Nurse Linda Gardner from UCLA Health. For those unable to attend, Josh Mailman will livestream the event.
JOIN US at upcoming LACNETS monthly meetings.
CONTRIBUTE to future meetings, programs, and conferences. (LACNETS is a 501©(3) organization). If you’ve enjoyed and benefited from the LACNETS Annual conference, monthly meetings, programs, or educational blogs, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. Your generous support makes it possible to hear from NET experts, livestream and videotape presentations, and increase our reach to those whose lives have been touched by NET. We are deeply grateful for your contribution.
I’ve been living with neuroendocrine cancer for 9 years and this is the first time I’ve ever met other patients. I feel like I’ve found my new family and it’s so good to know there is support.
— Patient Attendee from outside California
Written by Lisa Yen, NP, NBC-HWC
Director of Programs & Outreach, LACNETS