Tiffanny and Josh Thomason hosted “Music to Ignite NET Research,” a virtual concert on April 29, 2020, to raise money for NETRF. Tiffanny, who lives with NET, says she believes strongly in the widespread benefits of research, “When NETRF is able to fund research it not only can change the lives of NET patients, but it has the potential to positively impact EVERYONE.”
Close to 60 people attended the live event that raised more than $7,000 in honor of Aaron Vinik, MD, PhD, a prominent endocrinologist who cared for NET patients for nearly four decades before retiring from Eastern Virginia Medical Center in Norfolk, VA. Dr. Vinik and his wife made a guest appearance on the program to thank all who celebrated his contributions to the field. The concert featured performances by Jocelyn Oldham, Karl von Klein, Ryan Sauls, and Will Sauls.
All event proceeds will be matched by the Spark Hope campaign, doubling the impact in NET research.
Tiffanny was diagnosed with a small bowel NET in 2017 and a pituitary NET in 2018. She had both carcinoid and Cushing’s syndromes for several years prior to the identification of tumors. She receives her care at the Eastern Virginia Medical Center in Norfolk, VA.
“It’s so important to me and my family to raise awareness about NETs throughout the medical community. We are truly grateful for the counsel we have received from Dr. Vinik and the expertise and wisdom he has shared with his colleagues at EVMS who are taking care of me. This event is a small token of our heartfelt appreciation for his contribution to my care and his medical leadership,” said Tiffanny.
NETRF appreciates the many families hosting events right now to benefit NET research. “Even during these trying times, we can count on the wonderful members of the NET community,” said Susan Payson, NETRF Chief Development Officer.
Learn about their journey
Listen in as Tiffanny and Josh tell their story in three different episodes of “The On Being Human” podcast.
