We’re delighted to introduce Chrissie as the new Chair of Neuroendocrine Cancer UK’s Ambassador Network.

A valued Ambassador for several years, Chrissie brings a wealth of experience, passion and commitment to supporting the neuroendocrine cancer community. We caught up with her to find out more about what inspires her, what the Ambassador Network means to her, and what she hopes to achieve in her new role….

Firstly, congratulations on becoming Chair of our Ambassador Network!

Can you tell us about yourself and how did you become involved with NCUK? I’ve lived with neuroendocrine cancer since I was 24 years old. I’m 53 now so almost 29 years. And I was pregnant at time of becoming ill so my diagnosis was a huge shock – as well as a 29-week term prem baby to deal with. But it wasn’t until my secondaries (metastases) were found in my liver and I moved to The Royal Free London for treatment that I became aware of NCUK (formerly known as NET Patient Foundation founded by Cathy Bouvier (previous CEO of NCUK) that I started to think there was support out there. I joined with a Patient Support Group (PSG) and then became an Ambassador around 5 years ago.

What inspired you to put yourself forward for the Chair role? Inspired, pushed, volunteered or a combination of all three! I can see where the charity are trying to go and want to be involved. If, by being chair, I can help take all the amazing Ambassadors on this positive journey raising awareness of neuroendocrine cancer to become ONE NCUK, then it will be really exciting times ahead.

What are you hoping to achieve in the role over the coming year? To bring the group closer to NCUK and working on some really exciting projects that are in the pipeline…

What has surprised you most about being an Ambassador? How passionate each and every other ambassador and member of the NCUK team are about achieving the same objective – to raise awareness and help as many patients as possible have a better and as good an experience of living with cancer as possible.

Looking back, what achievement are you most proud of during your time as an Ambassador? Driving the Patient-led webinars “NETworking For Life” – Peer to Peer Support, based on lived experiences that have given many patients hope that you can live a good life with neuroendocrine cancer. Also a big shout out to the webinar team who are so open and honest about their own experience with neuroendocrine cancer. I am so proud of the work we have done so far, I could not do the webinars without their endless support. I was also pleased to take part in the recent Sheffield Patient Education Day when I found myself on the roaming mic with my marvellous Prof, reading the room and directing sometimes challenging questions to him … and not letting him off the hook! The banter and team work with patients and clinicians working together was such a positive experience.

Being an Ambassador is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be challenging. What would you say has been the biggest challenge for you? Becoming chair at a time of change within NCUK is a challenge. NCUK is moving forward, it’s all really positive and I’m happy to be part of the team.

For anyone who isn’t familiar with the Ambassador Network, could you explain what Ambassadors do and how someone can become involved? As Ambassadors we are a driven group of people with one goal: to raise awareness. We do so in many ways eg webinars, podcasts, proof reading documents, sharing the patient voice at medical conferences, face to face meetings with clinicians on the patient voice, running PSGs, writing blogs, working with other organisations, supporting clinical trials and many other aspects.

What message would you give someone thinking about becoming an Ambassador? Do it! There are so many areas to help with, so we need lots of different skill sets, don’t be afraid that you don’t have anything to offer. YOU DO!

What does NCUK mean to you personally? It has given me great support (both emotionally and psychologically) – and accurate information – and having known Cathy Bouvier, previous CEO for many years and how she helped me, I wanted to give something back to the community. It is an inspiring charity to be involved with. I feel I belong in this community. When first diagnosed there wasn’t anywhere to belong to.

And finally, what message would you like to leave for anyone affected by neuroendocrine cancer? Try to be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions, treatment and tests. BUT remember, for most, it is still possible to live a good life when you feel well. Take each day and new medical result one step at a time. Eventually, we all find a new normal ‘living-with …’ try to enjoy something every day.

Chrissie’s 60 second hot seat…

• Morning person or night owl? Both
• Tea or coffee? Tea
• One thing that always makes you smile? Talking to Amie (my daughter) in Australia
• Favourite way to spend a weekend? Playing pickleball and socialising with friends.
• Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Don’t ever give up. You are only ever dealt as much as you can deal with at a time.
• One word your friends would use to describe you? They said: silent/strong/caring and determined – sorry more than one!
• Favourite book or podcast? Sara Cox – The Teen Commandments, and Help I Sexted My Boss podcast, neither for the faint hearted.
• A hidden talent? Cooking
• If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be? My dad as an adult. He died when I was 18 so I would love a chat about my life with him as it’s been a big old roller coaster ride, and to get his thoughts if I did it right.
• Favourite quote or motto? You only get one life, live it
• What’s one thing that gives you hope? Still being here and getting the best care from the best team (in my opinion) from the Royal Free London.