Neuroendocrine Cancer - Hazel's Story

A Round-up of the Bellarine Women's Network evening in September 2024

Our goal for the evening was to raise money for Neuroendocrine Cancer Australia and help our President, Hazel Ingram, in her fundraising efforts for research into this rare cancer.

Hazel was our guest speaker and her very interesting presentation, gave us an insight into Neuroendocrine Cancer (referred to as "NETS") as well as insight into her own story of being diagnosed in June 2021, plus her journey to the present.

Here's some key takeaways:

- One Australian is diagnosed with a Neuroendocrine tumour every 90 minutes
- the average Australian waits over 5 years for the correct diagnosis
- Neuroendocrine Cancer is Australia's 7th most commonly diagnosed cancer

- 5550+ Australians are diagnosed with Neuroendocrine tumours each year
- 25550+ Australians are currently living with Neuroendocrine Cancer

- 1 in 55 Australians have a chance of developing a NET

There are many different treatments for NETS. Lots of people live for a long time with this disease and it is said that "you will die with it, not of it". The motto of the support group on their private Facebook group is NEGU. Never Give Up.

If you would like to know more, their website NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia is full of informative information.

There was a fine selection of donated goods for our Silent Auction and all items received bids, and were sold. This is the best outcome we could have wished for with our generous attendees raising $2,300 combining the auction, raffle and some cash donations.

Hazel would like to thank you all so very much; she said this is a wonderful community with the support BWN gives to our fundraising ventures and each other.

Hazel received lots of positive comments after her presentation and good wishes for the future. She said she felt very uplifted as she went home and reflected on the success of the night.