Neuroendocrine Patients Advocacy Committee

Richard is a Professional Civil Engineer who has been actively involved in the Heavy Civil Construction Industry throughout Westen Canada for over 40 years. Richard was diagnosed with Stage 4 NETs in April 2017, currently undergoing PRRT Therapy supplemented with monthly Lanreotide Injections. The disease currently appears to be stabilized. Richard has  participated on the CNETS Research Grant Review Committee since 2023. He has been involved with the startup of the Alberta NET Patient Advocacy Committee in 2024 and continues to work with this group of volunteers to advance this cause

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Douglas R. A. de Freitas is a visionary leader, environmental pioneer, and founder of Kaizen International Inc. — a full-service environmental company established in Calgary, Alberta in 1993. With over 35 years of experience in the oil, gas, and environmental sectors across North America and the Caribbean, Mr. de Freitas has built an enduring legacy defined by innovation, integrity, and environmental stewardship.

Recognizing the growing global need for sustainable industrial solutions, Mr. de Freitas founded Kaizen Environmental Sampling Inc. in 1993 — later renamed Kaizen Environmental Services Inc. — expanding it into one of Canada’s most respected environmental firms with offices across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia.

Today, Kaizen operates in three countries — Canada, Trinidad & Tobago, and Guyana — with four specialized divisions (KaizenLAB, EnviroPRODUCTS, ProjectSERVICES, WasteSERVICES) and three subsidiaries (KaizenMARINE, WASTECO, and Cadmus Holdings). Each reflects his guiding philosophy: “Continuous Improvement Towards Total Quality.”

A guest speaker and respected advocate for sustainable waste management in small island states, Mr. de Freitas continues to drive Kaizen’s mission of balancing environmental sensitivity with economic responsibility. His leadership has positioned Kaizen as one of the most advanced environmental and analytical laboratories within the Americas, accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and GYS 170:2009 standards.

Beyond business, Mr. de Freitas is a cancer survivor whose journey has deepened his commitment to purpose-driven leadership and community impact. His collaboration with the Canadian Cancer Theranostics Foundation (CCTF) reflects a shared belief in scientific innovation, environmental responsibility, and human resilience — values that define both his professional legacy and personal philosophy.

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Sophie Purnell is a lawyer who specializes in employment & labour law. Before establishing her own firm, she worked at law firms in Calgary, the Alberta Human Rights Commission, and the Alberta Court of Justice, where she assisted judges with legal research. Before obtaining her law degree from the University of Calgary, Sophie worked in human resources in the oil and gas industry after obtaining her Bachelor of Commerce degree (specializing in Human Resources & Organizational Dynamics) at the Haskayne School of Business.

She joined the Neuroendocrine Tumours (NET) Patient Advocacy Committee for the Canadian Cancer Theragnostic Foundation for personal reasons. After her father’s stage 4 NET cancer diagnosis, she witnessed firsthand the gaps in standardized treatment and how other regions offered more advanced care. She is committed to advocating for better care and expanded access to treatment for Albertans living with NETs and related cancers.

Sophie also provides pro bono immigration advice at the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association. Prior to that, she volunteered on the Trauma Advisory Committee for Alberta Health Services.

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Karen is a dedicated and compassionate Neuroendocrine Nurse with over 4 years of experience in specialized oncology and endocrine care. With a strong foundation in nursing and a passion for supporting patients with complex, rare diseases, she plays a vital role in the multidisciplinary care of individuals diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and related disorders.

Currently serving at Arthur JE Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Karen works closely with oncologists, endocrinologists, radiologists, and surgeons to provide holistic, patient-centered care. She is experienced in managing the long-term care of patients undergoing treatments such as peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), somatostatin analog therapy, and targeted systemic treatments. She is also skilled in patient education, symptom management, and navigating patients through diagnostic and treatment pathways.

Karen is known for her empathetic approach, clinical expertise, and commitment to improving quality of life for patients with chronic and rare conditions. In addition to her clinical role, she actively participates in NET-focused education and awareness programs, patient support groups, and professional development workshops. 

She holds a Bachelor of Nursing from University of Calgary. Her goal is to continue advancing knowledge in the field of neuroendocrine nursing while advocating for better care pathways and outcomes for this often-overlooked patient population.

Patrik is an undergraduate student at CMMB University of Calgary with hands-on experience in medical and laboratory settings. Currently working as a Technician/Receptionist at First Choice Medical Centre in Cochrane, AB, Patrik assists with patient care, including obtaining vitals, testing urine samples, and managing medical data. Patrik has also interned at CNY Ophthalmology in Syracuse, NY, where they gained valuable skills in patient communication and ophthalmology procedures. 

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In addition to the clinical work, Patrik  is actively involved in research as a data entry support member for a project studying the outcomes of systemic therapy for neuroendocrine tumors in Alberta. Patrik is further committed to community involvement through volunteer roles at the Foothills Hospital and the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, where he gains exposure to cancer care and patient interaction. With leadership experience from various extracurricular roles, Patrik is dedicated to combining clinical expertise, research, and community service to advance in healthcare and medical research fields.

Anabel is an undergraduate student in Biochemistry, Honors at the University of Calgary, with a strong academic track record. A fast learner with technology skills, Anabel also holds a WHMIS certification and is fluent in French, having studied it from Grade 1 to Grade 11. With a background in customer service, Anabel thrives in collaborative environments.
In addition to academic excellence, Anabel has demonstrated leadership and community involvement through various extracurricular activities. She served as President of Peer Support, admin for Rundle Review, and teacher in the Language Club. Anabel also participated in The Ascent (Leader program) and Pom Squad (Rundle College Cheer Team), while contributing to community projects such as planting trees and engaging in the Queer Straight Alliance.