Help me raise awareness about Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs), cancer in Africa

I was diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Tumor by chance when I was taken in for surgery for Acute appendicitis. My Surgeon wanted to do a laparascopic surgery on me but ended up doing open surgery when he failed. He decided to check my intestines incase he might have perforated and instead found a swelling at the end my small intestine which he decided to biopsy anyway because he didn't know what he was dealing with. The results of which was a shocker in my Life-Cancer. I least expected and initially denied. I was told it is a Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET).

When I tried learning more about it I got more shocks. No one in my neighborhood knew about it. The best My Doctors could tell me was "never worry- they are mostly Benign" Initially I bought the Idea. One of the doctors even told me if he were to get cancer he would choose carcinoid.

I did my own research and found that NETs are not benign as many people think. All NETs are potentially malignant. I found websites that give more information about the Tumor like Carcinoid Cancer Foundation, Ronnyallan blog and support groups for people living with Carcinoid on facebook. The support groups really assisted me together with my family to make a decision to have another surgery to remove the remnant tumor which I think was the best decision.

Living in a third world Country, Kenya in Africa, where there is limited resources including information I have had to overcome serious difficulties. Having Cancer in this part of the world is like having a dead sentence early. I watched in sorrow my Niece and Brother in law deteriorate due to Cancer during my time of recuperating and I was worried I was next on line. I have survived nearly four years now fortunately may be because of early diagnosis but I won't wish anybody to get Cancer.

My intention is to raise awareness about NET cancer, advocate for research, early diagnosis and treatment for better prognosis. NET Cancer is a rare type of Cancer, mostly misdiagnosed and often denied as cancer until it metastasize and cause morbidity and often death. It grows slowly. Those suffering from it like Identifying it with Zebra because when Doctors are taught in Medical school they are often told to think of Horses and not Zebras i.e. to think of common conditions first. That's why NETs patients often are diagnosed late.

Nov 10 is a day to celebrate and raise awareness about NETs. No one has ever done this in Kenya and I plan together with Kenya Medical Association and Kenya Clinical Officers Association to have a Conference about NETs for Medical Doctors and Clinical Officers on that day.

I am requesting for your support to hold education Conferences, support survivors as I also continue being followed up by oncologist. I need to raise $ 5000 for this events and support group activities. I will appreciate your kind assistance.