Living Proof: A Beautiful Evening with Abdominal Cancer Survivors for a Beautiful Movement

3 hours ago
3 min read

May 1, 2026

On April 24, something wonderful happened.

In a room filled with warmth, courage, and an unmistakable sense of community, we gathered for our very first Living Proof event. Connected by our shared experiences with abdominal cancers, it was a celebration of shared challenges, resilience, and the power of human connection through storytelling and song. It was an experience that left us energized, inspired, and deeply moved.

Bess Livioco is Living Proof - accompanied by son Henry Cornejo and grandson Payton Jacobs.

Abdominal Cancer Survivor Stories with a Message

At it's heart were seven abdominal cancer survivors - many, CRS/HIPEC patients - who took the stage to share their journeys and their gifts. Each story was unique - marked by uncertainty, perseverance, and ultimately, strength - but together they formed a beautiful tapestry of what it means to endure and to thrive.

Living Proof Survivor-Performers: Tamron Little, Lindsay Barad, Sarah Seitz, Paul Kalusa, Bess Livioco, Kyrah Ayers, and Bo Plantz

There were moments of quiet reflection, as survivors and caregivers shared the realities of diagnosis and treatment. There were moments of laughter, too - proof that joy persists even in the most difficult circumstances, and that coping mechanisms can be complicated and varied! There were moments of profound connection, where the whole room was united by empathy and understanding. And caregivers reminded us that survival is never a solitary act - and indeed often it necessitates a helping hand - and their voices illuminated the love, sacrifice, and unwavering support that so often goes unseen.

The evening was also a celebration of advocacy operations across the abdominal cancer community, and we are grateful for the participation and support from some of our partner organizations.

Performances to Make the Message Stick

Interwoven with these stories were moving performances that provided both entertainment and a deeper layer of expression and meaning to the evening. Through music, poetry, comedy, and just the powerful spoken word, those performances translated survivors' trials and tribulations and overcoming into profound demonstrations of their humanity beyond their diagnosis - showing the world that they are still here...that there is life after diagnosis...that they are still thriving.

Insights from Leaders in the Field

The evening also featured remarks from three leading surgical oncologists, offering both perspective and hope for the future of abdominal cancer care. We thank Dr. Vadim Gushchin and Dr. Armando Sardi for sharing their insights. And we were honored to have peritoneal oncology pioneer Dr. Paul Sugarbaker speak, whose presence underscored the significance of the moment and the criticality of our movement. Their reflections reminded us how far the field has come, while reinforcing the importance of continued innovation, research, patient-centered care, and (above all) advocacy.

Leaders in Surgical Oncology: Dr. Vadim Gushchin, Dr. Paul Sugarbaker, Dr. Armando Sardi

A Community in Motion

What made Living Proof truly special was the feeling in the room. It was warm. It was welcoming. It was alive with energy and laughter and with love and support for the folks in the crowd as much as the folks on stage. Conversations flowed easily between strangers who quickly became allies. Survivors, caregivers, clinicians, and supporters stood side by side. There was a shared understanding that everyone present was part of something bigger.

By the end of the night, it was clear: this was not just a one-time event. It was the beginning of something meaningful.

Event photo gallery - photo credit Khop Shoots, LLC

Looking Ahead

Living Proof lived up to its name in every sense. It showcased not only survival, but life: full, vibrant, and deeply connected.

We are incredibly grateful to the storytellers, performers, caregivers, clinicians, sponsors, and attendees who made this inaugural event such a success. Your courage and openness created a space that will continue to resonate far beyond a single evening.

This is just the beginning.

We can’t wait to see where Living Proof goes next, and we hope you’ll be part of it.