AUGUST 2025 NEWSLETTER

As summer comes to a close and families settle back into school routines, it feels like the perfect time for fresh starts and new beginnings. Here at the Abdominal Cancers Alliance, we’re embracing that spirit and looking ahead to a meaningful season together.

We can’t wait to see many of you at our upcoming events - special days that bring our community together in support, hope, and a little fun. Our newest event, Highballs and High Hopes, will be held on Saturday, September 13 in Baltimore - join us for this afternoon of hope, fellowship, and action!

And our 16th Annual Golf Outing in Maryland is coming up on Monday, September 15 - there are still registrations and sponsorships available! Can't make to our events in Baltimore in September? Join our annual Helicopter Ball Drop fundraiser from anywhere to support our work and have a chance to win cash prizes!

As August winds down, we wrap up Appendix Cancer Awareness Month. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to learn more about this rare cancer, and thank you to everyone who participated in and donated to our awareness campaign! Now we look forward to September as we honor patients and caregivers and raise awareness for Ovarian Cancers and Peritoneal Mesothelioma Awareness Month!

And if you weren’t able to join us live, our recent webinar, “Understanding Peritoneal Cancer: Treatment Options, Hope, and Hard Questions”, is now available to watch online. We hope you’ll take some time to check it out and share it with others who might benefit.

Warmly,

Bo Plantz

Executive Director

Updates from the Alliance

Appendix Cancer Awareness Month 2025

This August, we've been recognizing Appendix Cancer Awareness Month alongside some of our partners! Together, we are working to make a difference for everyone facing this rare and often very advanced cancer.

Thank you for helping us spread the word about appendiceal cancers this month. But we're not done yet! You can still follow along for the rest of the campaign on our website and socials accounts!

Risk Factors

1️⃣ Age of average diagnosis is between 40-50 years

2️⃣ Lifestyle Factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, a diet high in processed food...

Signs and Symptoms

1️⃣ Most cases are found during appendectomy for appendicitis

2️⃣ Abdominal bloating or swelling

3️⃣ Abdominal and/or pelvic pain/tenderness...

Evaluation

1️⃣ Physical exam

2️⃣ Imaging studies: CT scan, MRI or PET/CT scan

3️⃣ Blood work to include tumor markers

4️⃣ Laparoscopy...

Looking forward to September for Ovarian Cancers and Peritoneal Mesothelioma Awareness Month

Follow along with us in September as we recognize Ovarian Cancers and Peritoneal Mesothelioma Awareness Month. Even the most proactive patients and advocates can only act on what they know. Help us spread the word about these cancers! Follow along with us all month on our News page on our website and on social media:

And come check us out on our BRAND-NEW Instagram and Twitter/X pages!

Upcoming Events in September

Highballs and High Hopes

A new event raising awareness through stories and community!

Saturday | September 13 | 2025

Barcocina

1629 Thames Street

Baltimore, MD 21231

Learn More!

16th Annual Golf Outing

Help us celebrate our sixteenth annual Golf Outing in Maryland!

Monday | September 15 | 2025

Waverly Woods Golf Course

2100 Warwick Way

Marriottsville, MD 21104

Golf with Us!

3rd Helicopter Ball Drop

Support the Alliance from anywhere with this virtual event!

Monday | September 15 | 2025

Online and In Person

2100 Warwick Way

Marriottsville, MD 21104

Join Us!

ICYMI: Check Out Our Recent Webinar

Missed Our Peritoneal Cancer Roundtable? Watch the Recording!

Earlier this month, the Abdominal Cancers Alliance hosted "Understanding Peritoneal Cancer: Treatment Options, Hope, and Hard Questions" - a powerful roundtable discussion featuring some of the nation's leading experts in HIPEC and peritoneal surface malignancies. If you weren't able to join us live, you don't have to miss out.

Story of the Month

From Numb to Hopeful to No Signs of Cancer

By Rick Sell. In early November 2023 I underwent what was supposed to be a routine laparoscopic surgery at Lehigh Valley Health Network in Allentown, PA to remove my appendix. I wound up there after returning home from a trip to South Dakota with my wife Joann and complaining to my family doctor about a pain in the right side of my belly.

When I first heard the words “Stage IV cancer”, I felt numb—overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty. But with the right doctors, the right treatment, and a lot of determination, I am now living life to the fullest with no signs of cancer.

We want to give others hope! We all have a story to tell, and we would be honored to share yours. Join us in raising awareness and send us your story today!

Submit your story here

Join the Patient and Caregiver Network

Be a part of our dedicated network connecting patients and caregivers. Our mission is to save lives and improve quality of life by fostering a community where individuals can share experiences and find support in the face of rare and advanced gastrointestinal and gynecologic cancers.

Support the Abdominal Cancers Alliance

Together, we are working to save lives and improve quality of life for patients, caregivers, and families facing rare and advanced abdominal cancers.

Together we can make a difference!

Donate Today

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