From Appendix Cancer Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Research Foundation
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear has proclaimed August 2026 as Appendix Cancer Awareness Month in Kentucky, bringing statewide recognition to a rare disease that became deeply personal for one Kentucky family earlier this year.
The proclamation, signed July 14, recognizes patients, survivors, caregivers, health care professionals, researchers and advocates working to increase awareness, advance research and improve outcomes for those affected by appendix cancer.
When Vivian Morgan underwent imaging for an unrelated medical issue earlier this year, she never expected it to lead to a cancer diagnosis. The scan revealed an abnormality involving her appendix. Additional evaluation ultimately led to a diagnosis of low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm, or LAMN, a rare tumor of the appendix.
For Morgan, a nurse with more than 30 years of experience, the diagnosis brought a rare disease into sharp focus. It also gave her a new reason to advocate.
“I never expected a scan for something completely unrelated to lead to a cancer diagnosis,” Morgan said. “As a nurse for more than 30 years, I’ve spent much of my life caring for other people, so suddenly being the patient was a very different experience. It also made me realize how important it is to raise awareness and help others who may find themselves facing the same unexpected diagnosis.”
Morgan was treated by Dr. Prakash Pandalai, whom she credits with providing both expertise and compassion throughout her care.
“I am so thankful for Dr. Pandalai,” Morgan said. “From the beginning, he was thorough, reassuring and compassionate. He took the time to explain my diagnosis, answer our questions and make sure I understood what came next. When you are suddenly facing a rare cancer diagnosis, having a physician you trust makes an enormous difference.”
Morgan’s experience also prompted her daughter, Whittney Allen, to become involved in appendix cancer advocacy. Allen began volunteering with the Appendix Cancer Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Research Foundation, also known as the ACPMP Research Foundation.
As Morgan began sharing her experience and Allen became involved with the foundation, advocacy became a shared focus. Their efforts to raise awareness of appendix cancer and support others facing a rare diagnosis ultimately led Allen to seek statewide recognition of Appendix Cancer Awareness Month.
“We are incredibly grateful to Gov. Beshear for recognizing August as Appendix Cancer Awareness Month in Kentucky,” Allen said. “Rare cancers do not always have the visibility of more common diagnoses, which makes recognition like this especially meaningful. This proclamation gives us an opportunity to elevate the voices of patients and families, recognize the physicians and researchers working to improve outcomes and bring greater attention to the need for continued research.”
For Morgan and Allen, their backgrounds in nursing have also shaped their approach to advocacy.
“As nurses, we understand the importance of patient education and advocacy,” Allen said. “But this experience introduced us to an area of cancer care that neither of us had encountered before. We want to help raise awareness, support research and make sure patients and families know there is a community advocating alongside them.”
Appendix tumors and cancers are rare. Some, including LAMN, may be discovered incidentally during imaging, surgery or evaluation for another medical concern. Because these diagnoses are uncommon, continued research and education remain important.
Morgan hopes sharing her experience will help bring greater visibility to a diagnosis many people may not hear about until it affects them or someone they love.
“This diagnosis was not something I would have chosen, but I can choose what I do with the experience,” Morgan said. “I can talk about it, advocate for others and help bring attention to a rare disease that deserves greater awareness.”
