27 Apr 2026
AMEND USA Attends First Conference of 2026
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Board Member Stephanie Alband and Executive Director Ashlee Russeau-Pletcher were pleased to attend the 2026 HealingNet Foundation Conference in Tampa, FL
by Executive Director Ashlee Russeau-Pletcher
Attending a conference for the first time can be a daunting prospect, especially when you are new to a field. As the first Executive Director at AMEND USA, I was heading into uncharted territory, but I was eager to meet the challenge. I imagine that is how many people feel as they are entering into the world of neuroendocrine tumors as patients and caregivers. What I found when I attended the Healing NET Foundation Conference in Tampa, FL was a community of diverse backgrounds, education, professions, and geographies that genuinely care about serving the patient community, their caregiver network, and their team of medical professionals.
Attending with me was Board Member Stephanie Alband, whose expertise illuminated the context of the wide range of attending patient advocacy organizations, doctors, and industry professionals. We learned of the interdisciplinary nature required of the education material and experience that medical practitioners who wish to become neuroendocrine specialists need, the difficulties those practitioners face when trying to diagnose patients whose records are incomplete or whose insurance denies needed diagnostic tools, and considered how best to train and recruit new neuroendocrine specialists.
This conference also provided the unique opportunity for patient advocacy groups, patients, industry professionals, and medical professionals to discuss their perspectives on how each community could better serve one another. Many of the attendees have known each other for years, while some, like myself are new constituents. Panelists sharing their experiences were met with both curiosity and compassion as they contributed their stories, frustrations, and triumphs. The suggestion most relevant to AMEND USA was patient advocacy organizations can improve their offerings through inter-advocacy group cooperation. This includes linking to outside resources, working to our strengths, and possibly creating inter-group hubs of information for patients, caregivers, and others to access.
I am thankful I was able to attend this valuable conference, meet those who are passionate about helping each other, and make connections with individuals and organizations who will help AMEND USA meet its mission.
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From Left to Right Board Member Stephanie Alband and Executive Director Ashlee Russeau-Pletcher at Healing NET Foundation Conference 2026