About NCAN & NETS

Celebrating 23 Years of Service in 2026!

The Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Network (NCAN) has been a source of hope, education, and support for the Neuroendocrine Cancer (NET) community since 2003.

We’re proud to mark 23 years of unwavering commitment to:

Raising awareness of this rare and often misdiagnosed disease
Supporting caregivers and patients with compassion and resources
Funding research that brings us closer to better treatments and a cure

This isn’t just our mission—it’s our passion. It’s what drives us every day.
Whether it’s through the NET Cancer Hotline, Patient Conferences, Support Groups, or educational webinars, NCAN is here to ensure that no NET patient ever feels alone.

Join us. Support us. Walk with us.

Together, we’re changing lives—one step, one story, one stride at a time.

Patient Success Stories

• Maryann Wahmann: After years of misdiagnoses, Maryann was finally diagnosed with carcinoid cancer, a type of neuroendocrine tumor. She co-founded NCAN to ensure others wouldn’t suffer as she did. Maryann’s advocacy has saved lives, including her daughter’s, who was diagnosed early thanks to Maryann’s persistence.

• Ronda Ayala: Diagnosed with neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer, Ronda underwent a Whipple procedure and was initially told she was cured. Through her advocacy work with the Whipple Warriors and NCAN, she met Maryann Wahmann, who insisted on follow-up checks. This vigilance saved Ronda’s life when her cancer returned.

• Dave Vickery: A long-term carcinoid survivor, Dave has dedicated over 21 years to supporting others with NET. He founded the Michigan Carcinoid Group, focusing on “Sharing Information, Caring for Each Other.” His efforts as part of NCAN have provided invaluable support and information to countless patients.

What is Neuroendocrine Cancer?

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) is the umbrella term for a group of unusual, often slow- growing cancers, which arise from neuroendocrine cells found throughout the body. For years this group of cancers was identified as a specific disease called carcinoid. This term is being slowly replaced in medical literature by the term NETs.

While generally slow growing, there are more aggressive NETs such as neuroendocrine carcinoma being diagnosed more frequently.

Neuroendocrine tumors are not as rare once thought. Over 12,000 new patients are diagnosed each year and as many as 171,000 patients (according to cancer.net) are living in the US today- AND the number of diagnoses is increasing by more than 5% annually.

Where are NETs Usually Found?

The most common sites for NETs to occur are in the digestive system, lung and pancreas, but they can also arise in many other parts of the body. The place where a NET first appears is called the primary site. However, the NET may spread to other parts of the body like the lymph nodes, liver or bones. If this occurs your doctor may refer to the NET as a secondary tumor or metastasis.

NETs are overlooked regularly during the diagnostic process. Many patients go untreated for years and have been told they have another disease. If the tumors are found early and you get proper treatment, you can live a long life.

Neuroendocrine cancer is listed with the National Organization of Rare Disorders. Because neuroendocrine (NET) cancer is considered rare and due to a lack of public awareness the disease has had a low priority for medical research.

Did You Know?

Over 90% of all Carcinoid/ NET patients are incorrectly diagnosed and treated for the wrong disease.
Average time from initial onset of symptoms to proper diagnosis exceeds five years.
Majority of specialists are not aware of current diagnostic and treatment options.
Physicians still believe neuroendocrine tumors are benign, slow growing and do not metastasize. Countless surgeons trust removal of the tumor will cure the patient and no follow–up is necessary.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s are the two most common misdiagnoses for patients with midgut Carcinoid.
Most prevalent Carcinoid / NET symptoms are diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, wheezing, flushing, heart palpitations, and blood pressure fluctuations.
There are a few simple tests to aid with the diagnosis including a 24 hour urine test for 5-HIAA levels. Blood tests include Serum Serotonin, (NSE), Chromogranin-A, Pancreatic peptide, substance P, Gastrin, Neurokin-A.
Other Diagnostics include CT Scans, MRIs, Octreotide Scans, MIBG Scans, Gallium 68 scans, and Copper Cu 64 Dotatate

Why Participate?

Because every step you take brings us closer to hope.
When you join the Strides for Stripes Virtual Walk, you're not just walking—you’re changing lives. You're raising awareness for a rare and often overlooked disease, and you're standing in solidarity with thousands of patients and families affected by Neuroendocrine Cancer (NET).

Since 2003, NCAN has been passionately committed to supporting the NET community through education, advocacy, and direct patient support. This walk is one of the most powerful ways we do that—with your help.

Your impact is real:
The funds you raise go straight to life-changing programs like the NET Cancer Hotline, Patient Conferences, Support Groups, and free educational webinars—resources that bring clarity, comfort, and connection to those who need it most.

Walk with purpose.

Walk with heart.

Walk so no NET patient ever walks alone.

What do I have to do, Where, When?

Sign Up Now!

Registration is easy! Scroll to the top of this page and select 'REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE.' Then simply follow the on screen instructions to register and, once registered, to set up your fundraising page as an individual, by joining an existing team or creating a team of your own. You may also choose to 'SPONSOR A PARTICIPANT' or 'SPONSOR THE WALK' from this page.

As a virtual walker, you’ll join hundreds of other participants all walking for the same cause. The great thing about a virtual walk is that you can participate at any time and from anywhere! Once registered for the walk, you can choose the date, time and location that works for you. Then, join other walkers online by posting photos and videos to your social media accounts. Join the conversation by tagging NCAN Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Instagram @netcanceraware

Youtube @neuroendocrinecancerawaren6842 and using the hashtag #StridesforStripes

If you're walking at the in-person Carolina Walk, join us on Sunday November 1st at Cherry Park 1466 Cherry Rd, Rock Hill, SC from 11:30AM to 3PM EST.

You get the idea! The challenge is to create awareness of neuroendocrine cancer in your neighborhood and raise money to fund programs like NCAN’s patient hotline, free information packs, conferences, etc.

WHAT YOU GET WITH YOUR REGISTRATION:

• with a $50 registration fee you get one OFFICIAL 2026 Walk T-shirt

• with a $30 registration fee you get one Brand New Beanie Hat with Logo

IMPORTANT!

1- IF YOU WANT A T-SHIRT, YOU MUST 'REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE.' IF YOU 'SPONSOR A PARTICIPANT' YOU ARE MAKING A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION AND WILL NOT RECEIVE A SHIRT.

Fundraise!

We are excited you have chosen to participate. Follow the easy steps below to raise $500.

Are you ambitious and have set a higher goal for yourself than $500? Great! Simply adjust the minimum donation amount you’re asking of each potential donor and/or increase the number of people you’re going to ask.

	Donate to yourself. It all begins with you! Ask 4 family members to donate $25.00 each. Ask 4 friends to donate $25 each. Ask 4 co-workers to donate $25 each. Ask your boss for a company contribution of $100. Ask 2 local business you frequent to donate $25 each.	$50 $100 $100 $100 $100 $50
	TOTAL	$500

Use social media like Facebook, Twitter, etc. Send an e-blast and share what you are doing. Include your personal fundraising page link as well, so they can donate immediately. Ask friends for $25! Try choosing a different group of friends to target each week. The key is volume. $25 a person adds up quickly.

Act now! You can get started now by registering from the home page. We are grateful for your support. If you have any questions please call or email us.

FAQs

1. How do I begin?

Want to Participate? Click the Home option and click the Register to Walk button.

Once you have registered, you can customize and manage your own fundraising page, share your page through social media, and get sponsors.

Do you want to sponsor a walk participant? Click the Home option and scroll down to the Participants window. Search for the participant and choose to Donate on their behalf.

If you have further questions, please contact Robert Wahmann.

2. What is the Walk Schedule?

The Strides for Stripes In-Person Carolina Walk: Sunday November 1st at Cherry Park 1466 Cherry Rd, Rock Hill, SC from 11:30AM to 3PM EST.

The Strides for Stripes Virtual Walk: September 1 through December 31 WHEREVER YOU ARE!.

If you are doing the virtual walk, feel free to walk any day and time between September 1 and December 31. Bring some friends as well for even more fun and awareness! Post some pictures on social media! As a virtual walker, you’ll join hundreds of other participants all walking for the same cause. The great thing about a virtual walk is that you can participate at any time and from anywhere! Once registered for the walk, you can choose the date, time and location that works for you. Then, join other walkers online by posting photos and videos to your social media accounts. Join the conversation by tagging NCAN Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Instagram @netcanceraware Youtube @neuroendocrinecancerawaren6842 and using the hashtag #StridesforStripes

You get the idea! The challenge is to create awareness of neuroendocrine cancer in your neighborhood and raise money to fund programs like NCAN’s patient hotline, free information packs, conferences, etc.

3. What Is a Virtual Walk?

The walking is real, it's the community that's virtual. Participants register for the virtual walk and then go for a walk on their own or with a small group of family and friends on the same day and time as other participants but in different locations. To participate, simply register and then take a walk on event day. And if the scheduled day or time are inconvenient, walking on a different day or time still count!

4. What does it mean to be a virtual walker?

It’s the next best thing to being together at one of NCAN's Strides for Stripes Zebra Walk. We call it #ZebraWalkAcrossAmerica—as a virtual walker, you’ll join hundreds of other participants all walking for the same cause, on the same day and roughly the same time but in their own neighborhoods. Don’t worry if you can’t walk on the date scheduled for your city because you can still participate (see details below).

5. How can my sponsors submit payment?

Whether you are part of the Charlotte walk or the Virtual Walk, online contributions can be made by credit card on the walker's personalized page. Just make sure to tell your sponsors to select your name from the list of walkers.

Checks may be made out to NCAN, Inc. The mailing address is: 3074 Brookchase Blvd Fort Mill, SC 29707. Let your sponsors know that they should tell us who they are sponsoring.

6. Is the Walk only for Experienced Walkers?

No! You can do other activities or walk if that's what you want to do. If you walk, it's for fun and fitness. or to just contribute to the cause.

7. Do You Walk Alone or as a Team?

Either! Participants can walk alone or create their own team.

8. Is there a refund/exchange policy?

Yes. If a donation was made accidentally or for the wrong amount, simply make us aware of the issue and we will be happy to make any necessary refunds, changes or corrections. Walk registration fees are not refundable.

Contact Us

Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Network (NCAN)

3074 Brookchase Blvd.

Fort Mill, SC 29707

866-850-9555

[email protected]