Patient Stories

“This all stemmed from seeing the therapy dog at the hospital and believing I could make a difference, especially after the situation I went through,” says Kelli Coppinger about her dog, Bandit, becoming a therapy dog.

Hodgkin lymphoma survivor Seth founded STOMP the Monster, a nonprofit organization for patients with cancer. Since its inception, the organization has given $1.5 million in grant funds, which are raised through various fundraisers.

Nellie, a breast cancer survivor, and another woman started a local women’s cancer support group through the American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery program. She has helped overcome the taboo within the Navajo nation by helping to create videos, seminars, and published materials on cultural matters in cancer.

Maryann, a carcinoid cancer survivor, and her husband helped grow a small support group to more than 100 patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). They also launched the nonprofit organization Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Network, which offers a carcinoid cancer hotline; organizes national and regional conferences; and hosts fundraisers, including an annual walk that was started by her daughter, Tricia.

A cancer survivor who has had a lifelong love of motorcycles, Jerry organized the Jerry Parins Cruise for Cancer just 16 months after his diagnosis. This annual cruise brings together riders to raise money for various cancer-related organizations. Since 2004, they have raised over $1 million.

After a long battle with rhabdomyosarcoma that included an ostomy, Jearlean had the courage to become a model, as well as a motivational speaker, and later created a support group for ostomates in Baltimore.

After being diagnosed with a rare cancer, Cindy started the Healing NET Foundation. This not-for-profit organization is dedicated to giving more resources to physicians who are treating neuroendocrine tumors.