09/01/2026
Meet Vivian Morgan and her daughter, Whittney Allen, from Kentucky.
A scan for an unrelated medical issue changed everything for Kentucky nurse Vivian Morgan.
The imaging revealed an abnormality involving her appendix, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN), a rare tumor of the appendix. After more than 30 years of caring for others as a nurse, Vivian suddenly found herself on the other side of health care as the patient.
Thankfully, Vivian’s cancer was found at a stage where an appendectomy was all she needed. No additional cancer treatment was necessary, and today she is doing well.
Vivian was treated by Dr. Prakash Pandalai, whose expertise, compassion, and willingness to take the time to explain such a rare diagnosis made an enormous difference for Vivian and her family.
Her experience also inspired her daughter, Whittney Allen, to become involved with the ACPMP Research Foundation and helped spark an effort to bring greater recognition to appendix cancer in Kentucky. That advocacy culminated when Governor Andy Beshear proclaimed August 2026 Appendix Cancer Awareness Month in Kentucky.
Vivian hopes sharing her experience will help bring greater visibility to a disease many people have never heard of 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. I can talk about it, advocate for others and help bring attention to a rare disease that deserves greater awareness.”
As we look ahead to Appendix Cancer Awareness Month 2027, ACPMP’s Proclamation and Light Up Amber campaigns will continue to provide patients, families, and advocates with resources and support to help spread appendix cancer awareness across the country and around the world.
We’re grateful to Vivian and Whittney, and to everyone who continues to take action and help bring greater visibility to appendix cancer.
Appendix Cancer Awareness Month Proclamations:
Delaware, represented by Carol Clancy
Florida, represented by Scott Davis
Hawaii, represented by Dandylyon Darr
Idaho, represented by Katelen Fortunati
Illinois, represented by Ellen Zolper
Illinois, Village of Schaumburg, represented by Ellen Zolper
Kentucky, represented by Vivian Morgan and Whittney Allen
Louisiana, represented by Anonymous
Maryland, represented by Scott Durkin
Michigan, represented by David Zyble
New Jersey, represented by Deanna Flanick and Yesenia Madas
New York, represented by Anonymous
Pennsylvania, represented by Judy Culbertson of ACPMP
South Dakota, represented by Lindsay Frankenfeld
Virginia, represented by Alyssa Strackbein
West Virginia, represented by Ashby Kave
Wisconsin, represented by Deborah Stalsberg
Learn more about Proclamations, Light Up Amber and the Amber Circle recurring giving program: https://acpmp.org/appendix-cancer-awareness-month/